**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

I am a big fan of Jay Crownover and I've been waiting for this book since the end of Justified. This one was definitely worth the wait!

While Hill Gamble grew up in Loveless, it's the last place he wants to be. He took off when he had the opportunity and has made his way by becoming a Texas Ranger. In a twist, he's found himself back in his hometown and helping with the murder investigation of one of his best friends father's. Oh and I should also mention that the sister of said best friend is the one who has had his heart all along even though she was previously involved with his brother. While they were close for many years, Hill found himself needing space in order to heal his heart.

Kody Lawton is not new to loss and this latest loss, the murder of her father, just compounds losing her mother and her boyfriend. When she finds out that Hill is back in town helping with the investigation, she wants to stay as far away from him as she can. When he shut her out, he hurt her more than he could ever know and she's not ready to deal with him. Knowing she doesn't have a choice, she finally agrees to see the law man in the best interest of the investigation, but with this also start to thaw things between them or maybe I should say heat them up?!

Crownover does an amazing job with telling a compelling and complex story, while giving us the romance we hope for with Hill and Kody. There were twists and turns in this story that I was not expecting and it certainly sets us up for some very, very interesting things to come! Kody was a strong-willed, independent to a fault, woman who did have her soft spots here and there, whereas Hill was as swoonworthy and protective as they come. This was another fantastic visit to Loveless and I can't wait to come back!

5 Stars

Holy &$@@! The Kody finally gets her story and it is one you do not want to miss! Hill is one of the sexiest, sweetest, and undoubtedly, most upstanding cowboy to ever exist. It appears he and Kodh are just total opposites, but I beg to differ. Though they balance each other and would appear to have few similarities, the truth is underneath it all, these two amazing individuals feel so much and have hearts very similar, it is their outward reactions to life that are so very different. When things get dangerous their past is an obstacle they must overcome, no matter how many hurt feelings there may be. What follows is a love story of epic proportions that also includes suspense, action, some sexy private moments and most of all, family! I love my visits to Loveless and look forward to returning again soon!

Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

Unforgiven was impossible to put down. Kody and Hill took me on one wild ride. From sorting through their past issues to dealing with their current situation I had to continue on and know what happens.

It's tough to talk about this one without spoilers, there is a lot going on, but I will do my best.

Kody runs a bar and is still dealing with her past relationship with Hill's brother that had an unfortunate ending. Kody is one strong and amazing woman. She handles her business and is not afraid of doing what needs to be done. Hill is returning to Lawless for the first time in a long time to help investigate the death of Kody, Crew and Case's father.

I loved Kody and Hill together SO MUCH. Despite Hill's need to protect Kody he understood that he can't put her under lock and key. Kody understood that to be with Hill she needed to make some concessions of her own. It was refreshing to have characters talk about what's going on and not let miscommunication do them in.

The mystery surrounding Kody's fathers death was well done, with some twists and turns and a story that will lead us into the next book with a character I can't wait to get to know!

Jay Crownover adds an emotional and compelling new story to her Loveless, Texas series this time focusing on Hill Gamble and the only woman he’s ever loved but can never have.

Hill Gamble left Loveless without looking back. It had only brought him pain and suffering. He dedicated his life to being a model citizen, a Texas Ranger. But when he’s assigned to help investigate a possible murder in his home town, his past collides with his present. Can he continue to keep his feelings for Kody in check or will he reveal his true feelings?

Kody Lawton has suffered too much loss and when her callous father is found dead, her life is once again turned on its axis because avoiding the man who broke her heart when he left is impossible now that he’s helping with the investigation. Can she take down the walls he’s erected around her heart and give them a chance?

Jay Crownover skillfully writes heart-pounding stories with surprising twists and revelations that surprised the bejesus out of me. I was thoroughly hooked and cheering on for the strong willed heroine and the surly, swoon-worthy cowboy while the argued and loved their way towards their happy ending.

I appreciated the balance between drama and romance with the well-developed characters and their very complex history, and loved how they fought their way towards their hard won happiness.

Kody and Hill, as well as the supporting characters, are wonderful on their own and give the story an added layer of enjoyment and I looooved how we get a glimpse at what’s coming next. The following book in the series can’t come soon enough.

Unforgiven is book #2 of the Loveless, Texas series by Jay Crownover. It’s a standalone, cowboy romance, told from both points of view with a happy ending.

There's enough action and mystery to keep a reader interested from start to finish. Hill is a Texas Ranger assigned a case to solve the murder of a crooked sheriff in his hometown. Add in the ex of his dead younger brother, who he's loved since a teenager, and the action begins. They each need to come to terms with their feelings and accepting the consequences.

I was disappointed that the extra story by AJ Pine, although advertised as included, was not. Looking forward to Shot's story.

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

Hill Gamble and Kody Lawton have an epic second chance romance full of grief, guilt, heartbreak, and tons of action. Kody is sassy and definitely deserves her nickname of 'Trouble'. Hill is a protective alpha Texas Ranger, and definitely one of my favorite Loveless, Texas characters so far.

This book is in an interconnected series, so make sure you read in order. Each couple has their own book, but the underlying story line runs through all of them.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

3.5 stars

This was a really emotional second chance-ish, forced proximity, unrequited love story. After meeting Kody and Hill in Justified, I couldn't wait to find out more about their history. I knew that it would involve difficult truths, but I wasn't quite prepared for the depth of the pain these two experienced. There's also some mystery and suspense to keep the action going. You don't need to read the previous books to enjoy this one, but characters from those books do appear.

Hill's love for Kody broke my heart. He suffered in silence for so long and accepted any drama and any scrap from her over the years. They have such a tangled past, filled with sorrow and hurt. I know that some readers will not like Kody's history with the Gamble brothers and may be triggered by some of the issues discussed. I was frustrated by both Hill and Kody for the majority of the book over their inability to speak openly and honestly to each other. Kody especially made rash decisions and I didn't enjoy her hot and cold behavior. I didn't feel the connection between them until late in the book, and the build up between them ended abruptly and felt somewhat awkward. I wanted them to get their HEA so badly though, and was glad that increased communication and complete honesty was a key point in them moving forward.

There's action in this one as they search for the murderer, but it felt a little disjointed and over the top. A good portion of the story was spent setting up the next book in the series and the book actually ends on a cliffhanger for that opposites attract couple. This was an entertaining read, but it didn't hook me in as much as I had hoped.

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

Hill Gamble and Kody Lawton have a turbulent history. Kody was engaged to Hill's brother, Aaron, who had some depression issues and some other mental challenges. Hill fell in love with Kody years earlier, but Aaron had already claimed her, and she seemed to have claimed Aaron as well. As a result, Hill slowly disengaged himself from Aaron and Kody's lives and went on his way, believing he would never have a chance with Kody. Aaron's challenges were bigger than Kody knew how to handle, and he ended up killing himself, with both Kody and Hill blaming themselves. Years later, Hill is back in town to catch a murderer. Someone killed Kody's father, and her brothers Case and Crew, as well as Kody all want answers. Their father wasn't a good man, but they still want to know why he was gunned down in Austin.

Spending time together gives Hill and Kody a chance to talk and let go of some of their past hurts. It also gives them the chance to understand how each of their words and behaviors affected the other one. They slowly begin to appreciate the gift of each other. The switch from frenemies to lovers seems to happen rather suddenly, but the story is still worthwhile. The tension ramps up in places, and this keeps the reader engaged. This is a stand-alone story that is part of a series. Each of Kody's brothers has their own story.

The main characters in this book are richly portrayed. Their motivations and frustrations are clearly defined. The relationship between the close-knit Lawton siblings is one of the best things about this book. They interact beautifully, but realistically. There is one scene that involves a fire that is extremely well-done and comes across as authentic and heartfelt.

The killer is identified in this book, but at the end of the story, is still at-large. This small cliffhanger is slightly off-putting to a reader who likes loose ends tied up at the end of a book, but it is also a useful hook to encourage readers to continue with the series.

Let just say Jay did another great job! The character from the first book and novella continue in this one, but let’s throw I. A few more just for fun! Hill and Kody are a dream. I love Hill and have since the first book. But in his own book and with Kody he’s the perfect specimen.

This is another suspenseful read, I was one the edge of my seat and I still don’t have answers, but I’m sure the next book will wrap all that up! There is a HEA with our characters, but it is a cliffhanger. And I want to know more about Shot.

I received this for an honest review!

I love Jay Crownover writing style, but this story just rubbed me the wrong way don;t get me wrong it's a good book i guess i just read it at the wrong time.

If you love Jay Crownover’s writing please give this one a shot

I love how Unforgiven wrapped up the series but left itself open to more possibilities. Kody is a strong woman who can handle herself and doesn't want anyone to think differently. Hill proved that he can be who she needs without smothering her independence. The story flowed well and didn't go back telling too much of the previous stories.

I love this series. Period. End of sentence.

Am I angry with the way Jay ended Unforgiven....a smidge, yes. OK, focus Amy. Let's talk about the second book in the Loveless series.

Hill Gamble...how you doin'? I adored this character. Not to be outdone, I loved Kody just as much. Jay writes such fantastic female characters. I love how sassy and independent they are...but at the end of the day, they love so hard. Hill and Kody together? Unstoppable. I'm a huge fan. Huge.

Let's circle back to that ending. Brilliant and infuriating all at the same time. Needless to say...I'm ready for Shot's story Ms. Crownover!

Start at the beginning y'all with a novella and then Justified. Loveless is a great choice if you are a fan of steamy with lots of heart and a fantastic story.

I have been waiting on Hill and Kody’s book and it did not disappoint. We are faced with who killed Conrad Lawton and Kody getting over her anger with Hill. To love and deal with Kody was like dealing with a hurricane. She was all over the place and quick to jump from 0-100 in a snap. She was not easy to love and I can understand that. But at times I did find her to be too much and wanted to bop up her upside the head, in all I loved her though! Hill is a good ole boy but had a ton of guilt he was holding on to. When Kody and Hill really came together, everything that had been building for all these years, it was explosive!! Unforgiven was full of suspense and I loved it. We meet a surprise unexpected guest that really amps up all the chaos throughout the entire book. Of course in true Jay Crownover fashion she gets me hooked on Shadow and I want to know more about him and the club. It ends in a bang and I’m left wanting more!! I’m super excited to see where their story goes.
Arc provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not sure how I feel about this book. The story was great in the beginning and the end had me dying for more, but the middle of the book wasn’t as suspenseful as I had hoped it would be. The majority of the story, where they were trying to find Kody’s father’s killer, just didn’t grab my attention. Nor did the relationship between Kody and Hill. I usually love Jay Crownover’s books, she’s a fantastic writer, so I was kind of bummed that this one didn’t do it for me. I enjoyed the first book in the series, and after reading that ending, I’m still looking forward to the next book.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3161711962

That man deserves a medal. Hill gives a new meaning to the word dedication. Plus he is always willing to sacrifice himself so that others are happy. And even when Kody is a complete mess, there is no denying that underneath she is a nurturer and deeply cares about him. She is fierce and loyal. And they have a long painful history but they also level each other... The running and avoidance needs to stop and this time Hill is determined. This story has action, mystery, rage, hurt, love and more to come. I'm very intrigued with how trust and a strong connection will develop with the next characters in line.

Jay Crownover is one of those authors where I can just buy a book without needing to know what it is about because I know I will love it. This book is no different. She has a way with her words and manages to make you feel like you know these characters as if you were real life friends.

Kody Lawton is the youngest sibling in the Lawton clan and has dealt with always being judged. From being from that family to the boy she loved who killed himself. Eyes have always been on the family since they are in a small town and it usually never bothered her until people made it truly personal. She loved a boy who had almost the same problems as her but she also had feelings for his brother that she didn't want to acknowledge. Now she has no choice because that man is now back in her life investigating her fathers murder.

Hill Gamble left Loveless a long time ago to get away from the girl he loved. She was in a relationship with his little brother and he knew if he stuck around it could only get worse for him. Things ended badly either way but now he is back to help a family that he grew up with. Knowing he will be near Kody but can't have her is one of the hardest parts of this for him. So when truth comes out and feelings are finally spoken he knows he needs to latch on and never let Kody push him away again.

While the story had romance, and the good kind, it did have that whole backdrop of murder and intrigue. People coming out of nowhere and rocking the family even more to figuring out who killed the Lawton's father. I felt like it lacked some of that in the story so that's why I give 4 stars instead of 5. There is clearly going to be another book seeing how the book ended with the murderer still not being found. It seems like this is only just the beginning.

Unforgiven by Jay Crownover is book two in her Loveless Texas Series. Unforgiven can easily be read as a stand alone. The previous books are Unbroken and Justified.
And this book cantains the bonus novella Cowboy to the Rescue by AJ Pine.
Meet Hill Gamble, he's in law enforcement and left his hometown years ago. But now he's back to co-investigate a case. He left but still has unfinished business in Loveless.
Kody Lawton is a strong heroine. She's already through a lot. Her fiancé died, her friend left her and her homelife wasn't to write home to either. But she pulled through and made a living with her bar. She loves her brothers and their families. But now that Hill is back, everything is about to change, again.
I started reading and after page one I knew, this'll be a sleepless night for me. I read the whole book, cover to cover, in one sitting, hanging on the edge of my seat - it was that unputdownable and captivating.
The storyline and the writing are excellent and I loved to connect with the characters.
I recommend the book and the series, 5 stars.

ey, pages, reading-challenge, robin-loves-reading-2020-challenge, romance

In the second book of the Loveless, Texas series, Hill Gamble is a Texas Ranger assigned to investigate the death of Kody Lawton's father. Kody would rather have anyone other than Hill asking her delicate questions when she is torn about her father's death.

Kody's father was formerly the town's sheriff and was as corrupt and evil as they come. Neither Kody nor her two brothers were close to their father and had as little to do with him as possible. His death, however, nearly breaks Kody. Now she must deal with the fact that Hill is back in her life. Their history is very difficult, and their challenges are nearly impossible to overcome.

Having read the prior book in this series, Justified, I was drawn into the Lawton family. Kody's brothers, Case and Crew, are in this book and that is just the type of continuity I like. But, for the meat of the story, beyond the inevitable romance that explodes between Kody and Hill, is the mystery of her father's death. In addition to that, there is a solid build-up regarding the connection between Kody and Hill, and this brings into play Kody's tragic past.

This was a great story. However, there is a character that played an important role in this book, and the book leaves readers in the lurch regarding what happens to him. This all but guarantees at least a third book in this series.

Many thanks to Forever and to InkSlinger PR for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

I think I'd know the authors writing anywhere. There's an honesty about Jay's writing that's really unique and grabs you right in the feels, she has this intrinsic knack of showing you how complicated love can be but also how easy and freeing it can be. In Unforgiven, Hill Gamble and Kody Lawton have a shared past which they’re both trying to deal with and heal from. There's a clarity and conviction in their narrative here that really enables the reader to get inside their heads and see what makes them tick. They're such strong and forthright MCs who make no apologies for who they are and they're so damn strong despite being patched together inside after being touched by so much tragedy. It was a love hard fought, and that’s what made this a cracking read. It was a difficult journey for them both as they not only had to forgive each other, they had to forgive themselves first which is the hardest thing to do. Hill was such a sexy and steadfast character—which is a winning combination I might add—and Kody is wonderfully stubborn and makes no apologies and to watch them do the dance while not only trying to find out who killed Kody’s father, but deal with some other shocking surprises was just so good. Really enjoyed this one and I’m also a little bit obsessed with Johnny Hearst!

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads.

In “Unforgiven” (Loveless, Texas #2) by Jay Crownover we are brought back to Loveless and our beloved Lawton family. This time it is Kody’s turn to face danger. In the aftermath of her Dads murder Kody’s untouchable first love, Texas Ranger, Hill Gamble is in town to help with the investigation. But there is a lot of history between Kody and Hill and even though Kody believes she can handle whatever is thrown her way Hills protective nature kicks in. But can they each finally come to terms with what has been simmering before it’s too late?

Coming back to Loveless for a third time means there is something here for everyone – you have a cowboy/ranger plus the awesome biker is back, a retired rodeo clown, and a family that will still 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 #3 (I think it’s the bikers turn.)

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