The New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series delivers an “emotional, unforgettable” (Lori Wilde) 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 … 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.
“Off the charts attraction, dramatic suspense, heartbreaking betrayal, deep emotion, and unforgettable romance will keep you turning the pages to the climactic end.” -Jennifer Ryan, New York Times bestselling author
“Crownover writes cowboys that make you want to pack your bags in search of a small-town ranch!” -Melissa Foster, New York Times bestselling author
“Five big huge stars for Justified! Don’‘t miss this page turner!” -Harper Sloan, New York Times bestselling author
Includes It’’s All About That Cowboy, a bonus novella by Carly Bloom!
and hate… because there’’s nothing Case wouldn’‘t do to keep her safe.
“Off the charts attraction, dramatic suspense, heartbreaking betrayal, deep emotion, and unforgettable romance will keep you turning the pages to the climactic end.” -Jennifer Ryan, New York Times bestselling author
“Crownover writes cowboys that make you want to pack your bags in search of a small-town ranch!” -Melissa Foster, New York Times bestselling author
“Five big huge stars for Justified! Don’‘t miss this page turner!” -Harper Sloan, New York Times bestselling author
Includes It’’s All About That Cowboy, a bonus novella by Carly Bloom!
and hate… because there’’s nothing Case wouldn’‘t do to keep her safe.
“Off the charts attraction, dramatic suspense, heartbreaking betrayal, deep emotion, and unforgettable romance will keep you turning the pages to the climactic end.” -Jennifer Ryan, New York Times bestselling author
“Crownover writes cowboys that make you want to pack your bags in search of a small-town ranch!” -Melissa Foster, New York Times bestselling author
“Five big huge stars for Justified! Don’‘t miss this page turner!” -Harper Sloan, New York Times bestselling author
Includes It’’s All About That Cowboy, a bonus novella by Carly Bloom!
and hate… because there’’s nothing Case wouldn’‘t do to keep her safe.
“Off the charts attraction, dramatic suspense, heartbreaking betrayal, deep emotion, and unforgettable romance will keep you turning the pages to the climactic end.” -Jennifer Ryan, New York Times bestselling author
“Crownover writes cowboys that make you want to pack your bags in search of a small-town ranch!” -Melissa Foster, New York Times bestselling author
“Five big huge stars for Justified! Don’‘t miss this page turner!” -Harper Sloan, New York Times bestselling author
Includes It’’s All About That Cowboy, a bonus novella by Carly Bloom!
ep emotion, and unforgettable romance will keep you turning the pages to the climactic end.” -Jennifer Ryan, New York Times bestselling author
“Crownover writes cowboys that make you want to pack your bags in search of a small-town ranch!” -Melissa Foster, New York Times bestselling author
“Five big huge stars for Justified! Don’‘t miss this page turner!” -Harper Sloan, New York Times bestselling author
Includes It’’s All About That Cowboy, a bonus novella by Carly Bloom!
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I loved how it is about family!
Never a dull read with a Jay Crownover story!! Loved every minute of Case & Aspen’s journey.
Wow, those Lawton’s are amazing! This is Case’s book. If you can read the novella about Crew before this one, I do recommend it. Although it is not necessary. This book was full of action from the beginning to the end. Now I am looking so forward to Kody’s book next. Case has seen many things in his life and tried to be a better man than his father was. Case took over being sheriff after his father was finally voted out. His father was a dirty cop and many feared him. So, Case has his work cut out to turn things around. Aspen was the “weird girl” who also wanted to turn things around. Case and Aspen’s past was definitely a hard one. Case’s resentment toward Aspen was justified. While Aspen was only trying to do what was best. But many years later things seemed to change. Case became her protector and realized she was not the she devil after all. And Aspen’s teenage crush was becoming more of a reality every day. I was shocked with how things came to light. Never expected who was really out to get Aspen. But through it all, Case and Aspen came together and helped heal each other. A must read!!
So glad that I tried this series. I had started with the Marked Men series and although I enjoyed it, there is such a limited amount of time available to read that I did not continue past the first book. I decided to try Jay again in this series, and I’m very glad that I did! The characters are slightly more mature, which I think made it more interesting to me. I really enjoyed the family aspect and their interactions with each other and the community. The secondary characters are also so interesting and I’m very excited to see that two of my favorites are up next.
This book was a great start to a new series! It had all the good kinds of drama that drag you deep into the story wanting to know what happens next! It was a fast paced read! I would recommend this book and cant wait for the next!
Jay Crownover returns to Loveless, Texas with “Justified,” a suspenseful and drama filled romance between Case Lawton, the sheriff of Loveless and his sworn enemy Aspen Barlow, the attorney who cost him custody of his son.
When Aspen moved from Chicago to Texas, she was the weird high school girl who didn’t fit in and the only person who made her feel like she belonged was golden boy Case Lawton. She had a crush on him, but his life was set on a different course. Years later when they crossed paths again, Case’s life was falling apart and Aspen had a hand in the destruction when she represented his soon to be ex-wife and took away custody of his son.
Almost a decade later, Case’s life had turned around. He had his son back and was actively working to correct the wrongs the former sheriff – his prejudiced, corrupt and abusive father – had done to the town of Loveless. He’s reluctant to help Aspen when he’s called to investigate a felony at her office, but as the town’s by-the-book sheriff he’s compelled to protect her from the threats she’s facing.
As the two are forced to work together to find her would be assassin, Case is forced to reassess his resentment towards her in the face of her strength and resilience especially after she reveals distressing past secrets. While houses are set on fire and bullets are flying, they both learn to trust each other and explore the new feelings that bloom between them.
I’ve been a longtime Jay Crownover fan. She expertly writes stories with the perfect blend of drama and romance with complex characters and a suspenseful, well-paced plot. Justified was no exception. I was instantly hooked when I read the prologue. I couldn’t fathom how two people who hated each other could find love together. I loved how their story developed and transformed into what had seemed like an impossible happy ever after.
Even though he was a bit of a douche canoe in the beginning, Case was a good father and a good man and Aspen came into his life to fill the cracks with happiness they both deserved. I loved reading about Crew and Della from the past book, and getting to know Kody Lawton – Case’s younger sister – who will hopefully be in the next installment of this series.
Justified is book #1 of the Loveless, Texas series by Jay Crownover. It’s a standalone, cowboy romance, told from both points of view with a happy ending.
4.5 s
Jay Crownover has a way of writing about family that makes me look forward to reading each new series she creates. Her definition of family includes all of those we choose to love, protect and be loyal to. Family is made up of not just those who share our blood, but aslo those who we bind to via circumstance.
It doesn’t matter whether the setting is a mountain city, a dangerous inner city, or a small country town, the bonds that tie individuals together as a family is a theme that resonates an brings me back to this author time and again. Ms. Crownover shows us the deepest flaws of humanity through the actions of her memorable characters. Then she ensures that we see the redemption of said characters via love and forgiveness. He stories always leave us believing that we are all capable of being loved if there is true remorse for wrongdoing and the motivation to do better.
Justified is a slowburn enemies-to-lovers second-chance romance. Case Lawton and Aspen Barlow are two strong individual characters who are surrounded by a cast of equally fascinating secondary characters. Their story is suspenseful, sensual, and riveting. This small town mystery had my mind and heart racing trying to solve the case along with the intensely dedicated sheriff. Its conclusion has me impatient for the next installment of Loveless,Texas series. Justified is romatic suspense at its finest.
Wow Jay talk about a enemies to lovers book. I loved reading about Loveless and finding old characters in this new book. It was really hard to put this book down. This book kept me on my toes with all the twists and turns. Loved it Jay Crownover thank you for another amazing read!!!
Twisty, suspenseful, and deliciously steamy!
Justified is a seductive, intense whodunit that takes us to Loveless, Texas where the easy-going, rugged, Sheriff Lawton is struggling to protect the lawyer who took his son from a killer determined to end her life, and the headstrong, intelligent Aspen Barlow is determined to keep her wits around the teen crush who feels nothing but animosity towards her.
The writing is crisp and sharp. The characters are multilayered, stubborn, and honourable. And the plot is a passionate, rousing tale filled with twists, turns, familial drama, red herrings, secrets, lies, mayhem, danger, sizzling attraction, and swoon-worthy romance.
Overall, Justified is a sultry, action-packed, wonderful addition to the Loveless, Texas series by Crownover that keeps you on your toes from start to finish, warms the heart, and definitely leaves you yearning for more.
This book was so good! I loved everything about it. I could not put down this book.
Case Lawton is the law he comes from a family of criminals. He will do everything in his power to uphold the law to the T. He has more to prove than most because he is nothing like his family.
Aspen an outsider in Loveless Texas has decided to make it her home. A fancy lawyer married into a prominent family has done nothing but make Cases life miserable. She needs him when someone breaks into her office. It just spirals down hill from there. Can she show Case she isn’t the bad guy he believes her to be?
Will they be able to stay away from each other even with this unexplainable pull they have towards one another?
All Case wants to do is his job, but Aspen has just become his job. When this hate turns to love and their world has turned upside down. Everything changes and Case will stop at nothing to keep Aspen safe. This book was so good it was a perfect enemies to lovers romance a must read!!
Loving Loveless!!
This is an amazing start this series!! I loved all the Easter eggs with other characters. There was so much suspense and so many twists that I didn’t see coming.
This is an awesome enemies to lovers story and I can’t wait for the next one!!
Jay took a sexy sheriff and a feisty attorney and put them in an enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense that I could not put down.
In high school Aspen Barlow fell hard for fellow classmate and town sports hero Case Lawton, he on the other hand had no idea she really existed… she was just the weird girl from the city. He was cordial to her, but seemed oblivious to the fact that she had caught feelings for him. Not to mention the fact that he had caught the eye of someone else… her worst enemy someone else!
Now years later she finds herself once again in his life, but this time he isn’t so cordial and she has unknowingly found herself a new enemy. One that has it out for her and would rather see her dead than living, so the one time sports hero, now town sheriff, has made it his mission to keep her safe.
Being thrown into close quarters with one another is more than a little uncomfortable, especially with their tense past, but it’s also helping them both see things a little more vividly this time around. They have some serious sparks… that are shining quite brightly!
Within a matter of minutes the characters in this book will pull you in and have you immediately captivated… nothing is more hypnotizing than a sexy cowboy on a mission to keep a damsel in distress safe from the clutches of danger! I loved every word of this enemies-to-lovers story it was action packed (of the steamy and dangerous variety), had loads of heart-string tugging emotion, and came with lovable characters that stole my heart!! I cannot wait to get my hands on the next installment and revisit these characters, and meet a few new ones too. Definitely the perfect start to a new series, came with everything you want in a story and so much more. Highly recommend!
I love a good “enemies to lovers” story and this one definitely hit the right spot. It has been a long time since I have read anything by this author, I believe “Charged” was the last book. I don’t have a specific reason as to why, but I do know that I will be checking out every book in this series 😉
I also really liked the side-characters in this book, and since some play a part in a previous series, I will have to check those out as well. So looks like I’m gonna be busy.
Aspen and Case have known each other since high school. He was de sweet, yet popular jock and she was the new kid…the weird girl. Despite their differences Case was always kind to her and she never forgot.
But people grow up and life doesn’t always turn out as expected and when Case’s wife wants a divorce and custody of their child…Aspen is the lawyer that represents her…and wins the case. This pretty much cements the future (hateful) relationship between Case and Aspen…
Things aren’t always as they seem though and these two are about to find out….especially Case.
When Aspen is the victim of vandalism and violence, Case has no choice but to get up close and personal with his nemesis. He is the town sheriff after all, and not wanting to be like his corrupt dad…he will have to do his job, even if he hates the victim.
But nobody probably told him that love and hate are only separated by a very fine line…
….Don’t worry, he is about to find out himself.
I really enjoyed reading this story but I have to admit that the ending threw me a bit. I have read other reviews of people who feel the same way, so I know it isn’t just me. This book is already pretty heavy on the drama and I think that last bit was just a bit too much, at least for me. That said, it was still very good.
I’m really looking forward to the next story…I hope it will be Kody’s 😉
I am a huge fan of enemies to lovers romance and Jay Crownover did a fantastic job. I knew after reading the novella before this book I was going to have to get Justified. I was so excited when it landed on my kindle.
Aspen and Case are enemies in the town of Loveless. He can’t forgive her for her part in him losing custody of his son. Aspen was the lawyer who helped his ex wife in the divorce. When Aspen ends up in danger they try and get along until she’s safe.
This book was packed with suspense and had me turning the pages as fast as I could. I was pulling for the two of them to make things work. The chemistry between Aspen and case off the charts. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Another great visit to Loveless Texas. This one is about Case (Sheriff of Loveless) and Aspen (custody Lawyer) Enemies to roommates to lovers. This one was action packed drama, suspense and romance all rolled in to one. Awesome case of characters.
Great Start to a Great New Series!
Justified is the first full length book in Jay Crownover’s new Loveless, Texas series and it hits all the right buttons for me!
Grumpy hero
Old high school crush that never quite went away
First heroine
Just the right amount of action/mystery/suspense
Steamy sexy times
Case and Aspen have known each other since high school but for the last nine years they’ve been civil enemies but now she needs his help and whether he realizes it or not he needs the help she been giving him all along.
I really liked that Case was tough but fair and quickly realized just how wrong he had been, nothing bothers me more than a long drawn out “you wronged me so I’m not going to forgive you” plot. I also adored the whole Lawton family and can’t wait for more!
If your looking for a friends to enemies to lovers romance then this is a great book for you. It’s full of characters you’ll hate to love and tons of drama that will have you guessing until almost the very end. You’ll love the main couple and fall in love with them while they fall in love with each other. You’ll even be rooting for more books to come with some secondary characters. There’s even a bonus book at the end which I enjoyed as well. Give this book a chance, as if you love hot as sin cowboys. I’m glad I took a chance!
A beautiful story.
Case and Aspen Had an incredible enemies-to-lovers romance. It may have been misguided but it added an extra layer for the characters to get through it and find their place.
Case Lawton’s no nonsense personality made an appearance in Unbroken, the prequel novella that tells Crew Lawton’s (Case’s younger brother) story. He was described as a hard person but it wasn’t until Justified that it becomes clear why. He’s had to take a lot on since he was younger and all that “life experience” has really worn him down and jaded his edges.
Unfortunately Aspen happened to get caught in the middle of some of those experiences and had to bear the brunt of the anger and resentment that Case held on to. But she was a strong enough person to take it and not let it change her. No matter what, she stuck to her guns about who she wanted to be. But now, that realization has put her in danger and Case is forced to put aside his negative feelings for Aspen and protect her. But that all just brings out his other side. The side his siblings already know about. The side that shows he’s not the jerk he made himself out to be. Which only makes things between them complicated…or easy. Depending on how you look at it.
Justin’s was a beautiful story about second chances and misconceptions. Aspen and Case were characters that were easy to relate to and once I was hooked I couldn’t help but root for them the whole time.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Veronica –
This is an excellent enemies-to-lovers romance. The feelings of animosity Case feels are completely understandable. Aspen was the lawyer representing Case’s ex-wife in their divorce and custody case that saw Case lose access to his son. Fast forward 10 years to the present day – Case is Sheriff and it is now is job to protect Aspen because someone is trying to kill her, which has them spending more time together than Case would like.
I have to say there was way more action and danger in this story than I was expecting and I loved it. The story moves at a really good pace. When there is action and danger, I felt like things were moving quickly but when Case and Aspen are dealing with their confusing and changing emotions, things slowed down a little to allow us to really feel what Case and Aspen are going through.
At our very first introduction to her, I thought I was going to hate Aspen but I changed my tune very quickly. It doesn’t take long to realise she is a good woman and a very strong woman too. Case, on the other hand, is more complicated. A bitter divorce and an abusive father who was also a corrupt cop has left Case with plenty of issues that at times made him a frustrating hero. I still loved him though. There is something satisfying about stories with imperfect heroes, they feel more real.
The action, the difficult road to romance, and the drama all combine well to make Justified a fabulous story. I loved reading it. This is the first series I’ve read by this author but I’m going to have to make the time to check out more of her work because it is really good.
Mary Jo –
It took me forever to get into this book. The characters were good and the storyline plausible, but it just didn’t click for me.
Aspen and Case were friends in high school but later faced each other across the courtroom when Aspen represented Case’s ex in divorce and custody proceedings. Case blamed Aspen for everything that happened and has never let her forget it.
Now, as sheriff, Case is tasked with keeping Aspen safe from an unknown person trying to kill her. What he doesn’t realize is that it’s going to make both him and Aspen acknowledge the spark between them.
The rock on Case’s shoulder is as big as a boulder and the guilt weighing on Aspen’s heart is just as big. There was little to no interaction between Case and his son or Aspen and Case’s son but what there was proved interesting.
The end was a twist that I didn’t see coming.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Justified (Loveless, Texas #1) by Jay Crownover to read and review.