From the New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series comes an irresistible and suspenseful romance between a tough Texas Ranger and his first love–a woman in danger who insists she doesn’t need his protection. Hill Gamble is a model lawman: cool and collected, with a confident swagger to boot. Too bad all that Texas charm hasn’t gotten him anywhere in his personal life, … hasn’t gotten him anywhere in his personal life, especially since the only girl he ever loved has always been off-limits. But then Hill is assigned to investigate her father’s mysterious death, and he’s forced back to the town–and the woman–he left behind.
When Hill left Loveless, he broke Kody Lawton’s already battered heart. And now that he’s working on her father’s case, avoiding him is impossible. She can handle Hill and her unwanted feelings–until he puts his life on the line to protect her. Suddenly, Kody realizes that Hill could be taken away from her…for good.
“Crownover delivers the goods.”-Lori Wilde, 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
Includes the bonus novella Cowboy to the Rescue by A.J. Pine!
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.
A compiling addition to Ms. Crownover’s Loveless Texas series, in this second installment we get the story of Kody and Hill. It’s kind of a second chance for both of them, but really a second-first chance with each other. This book has many facets, mystery, suspense, tragic loss, and sexy times, but don’t worry you will get you HEA. Kody and Hill’s love story is heartbreakingly beautiful, they both their demons, and finally give into one another. I really loved this small town romance, and you will too!
Unforgiven is the story of Hill Gamble, small town police man, 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.
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***
Great addition to the Loveless, Texas series. I devoured this sexy and suspenseful read. Loved watching Kody and Hill overcoming their past to find a future together. They had undeniable chemistry and an enviable connection. Looking forward to another visit to Loveless and learning more about Shot. I voluntarily reviewed an a ARC received via NetGalley.
Everyone remembers their childhood love. For Hill – Life with the Lawton siblings was forever etched in his brain. One sibling in particular left Hill with an ache that couldn’t be extinguished. Kody was everything that Hill was attracted to. The only problem with allowing his love to shine was the fact that Hill’s brother was also enamored with the Lawton sibling.
As the years pass, Hill and Kody have gone their separate ways. When the news breaks that Kody’s father was murdered, Hill finds himself pulled right back to the one place he never planned on returning. Determined to help the Lawton siblings find out what happened to their father, Hill knows that eventually he will have to speak to Kody. With their tattered history, there is no wonder at the hesitation Hill is feeling. Nothing between Kody and Hill has been ‘simple’, and the events that unfold surrounding the Lawton family only amplify the attraction that has lingered through the years.
Let me start by sharing how much I have loved the Loveless, Texas series by Jay Crownover. Kody’s story was beckoning to me for quite some time. So – I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Unforgiven!! There is so much history surrounding Hill and Kody. The ups and downs of their lives intersect so many times throughout the years. Once again, tragedy has brought the two full circle.
Typically – I never find ‘fault’ in a Crownover novel. This time, I found myself wondering why the saga between Hill and Kody seemed forced. There was a lot going on in this novel, and it felt rushed from the halfway point forwards. I found myself arriving at the end of the story only to say, ‘Is that it?’. The plot points didn’t really blend well, and the whole thing felt forced. After anticipating Kody’s story for so long, I feel jaded with the direction this story traveled. I found myself in awe that the one book that teased the most in the series was the one that fell flat in the end.
There is still more that will play out in this saga. The next installment will be here before you know it. Hopefully – it will pack the punch that I have come to expect when diving head first into the worlds that Jay Crownover creates.
Ms. Crownover is absolutely one of my go-to authors – I have cried, anguished, sat on the edge of my seat and loved all her series from the Marked Men, Saints, The Point to the Getaway series. I must admit that I was a little anxious moving on to her “Cowboy/Western” theme (the Getaway series melted me in somewhat). BOY was I pleasantly surprised! This Loveless, Texas series is classic Jay Crownover – hot men and feisty women with romance and suspense throwing them together so beautifully. Call me a Cowboy Convert for sure!
Hill Gamble is a soulful Texas Ranger with an unrequited love for his deceased brother’s fiancée. Talk about family drama – am I right? Kody is a wild firecracker with trouble following her in spades – skating on the illegal edge. I was constantly trying to figure out how Crownover was going to clean up Kody’s shady side in order to keep Hill’s model good cop conscious satisfied. Jay masterfully weaved that needle without landing Kody in jail or on the wrong side of her shady sidekick – Shot. (OMG! Now that biker world will be a wild ride in Jay’s next book in the series – which can’t come SOON ENOUGH!)
When we finally get Hill and Kody together – after Kody’s stubbornness towards him melts away – we get some hot sexy times and then the drama kicks our butt. I appreciate that once Hill and Kody connect — they are thoroughly all in with each other and we are not getting an on and off, dump and run exhausting relationship. Kody’s deceased Dad was a POS and continued to pull the Lawton family (Kody and her brothers Case and Crew) into turmoil even after he’s gone. There are some revealing surprises after Dad’s death that really kick the drama into high octane with typical Crownover finesse.
I would like to say the drama was tied up in a nice little bow at the end – but NO – the crazy wild ending has left us bereft until our next story. Which is a perfect ending in my mind – I am not a fan of wrapping up all the drama in a few pages and moving on. I loved this book, recommend you read it, and I am eagerly awaiting what comes next with our Hot Shot and his Cool Doctor in Blacklisted!
Thank you to Forever and to Inkslinger PR for this ARC for review thru Netgalley. This is my honest opinion.
Tense, ominous, and passionate!
Unforgiven is a sultry, compelling tale that takes us back to Loveless, Texas and into the lives of the solid, dependable, Texas Ranger Hill Gamble who is struggling to solve the murder of Conrad Layton while still keeping his feelings for his late brother’s fiancee a secret, and the feisty, fiery Kody who’s determined more than ever to put her father to rest and keep her teen crush away from her heart.
The writing is smooth and seductive. The characters are hesitant, headstrong, and loyal. And the plot is a well-paced, alluring tale of temptation, desire, danger, deception, mystique, devotion, romance, palpable attraction, and sizzling chemistry.
Overall, Unforgiven is another provocative, intriguing, menacing addition to the Loveless, Texas series by Crownover that has just the right amount of steam and suspense to keep you engaged from start to finish and a cliffhanger ending that will leave you eager for more.
Well, there was an unexpected element in this new addition to the Loveless, Texas, series I didn’t see coming, folks. You see, the synopsis gave no hint to the complicated, sad, hot mess past between the main couple and someone else very important to both of them, who is no longer in the picture. I must say I have mixed feelings about it, because that’s a trio I personally usually shy away from in my romantic reads. I had to move on just like Hill, the hero, did in order to proceed with what turned out to be a mostly “who did it” murder mystery romantic tale.
Hill couldn’t seem to catch a break when it came to Kody. She came across like a grieving, at times neurotic, loose cannon, spitfire and blamed him in the past for someone else’s destructive actions/behavior. You’ll have to be the final judge and jury whether you accept her line of rationale.
Kody struggled to keep things together after her abusive father was murdered. Honestly, her family’s remorse felt misplaced considering how horribly he treated all of them for decades. Again, I just had to roll with it. Hill was the strong, stand up guy who tended to show up and be a tower of strength now just when she needed it. That was my favorite part of this book.
Having really enjoyed the previous books, the bar was set pretty high. I must admit this was my least favorite. Because of their past history and other man drama/issue, I didn’t feel their connection as a couple as strongly as the previous main couples. Kody’s tendency to get into people’s faces with the slightest provocation didn’t necessarily endear me to her. The writing at times also wasn’t as engaging. Therefore, I found myself skimming here and there just to see how it all turned out, especially towards the end. I was quite surprised the murderer was who it was. It seemed a rather very remote, highly unlikely choice to me.
I am already looking forward to a certain motorcycle prez, who was more than just a little infatuated with Kody, finding his own love match after getting patched up by an unexpected character who shows up in town. It will likely be a nearly eighth month wait though before Blacklisted puts that couple, this town, and this posse of characters back into action.
Title: Unforgiven, Series: Loveless, Texas, Author: Jay Crownover, Pages: 432, stand-alone but part of a series, alpha former military now Texas Ranger hero, bartender owner heroine, complicated past with hero and his brother, graphic smex scenes, murder mystery, OM drama. Rating: 3 – 3.5 stars
Book .5 – Unbroken
Book 1 – Unjustified
Book 2 – Unforgiven
Book 3 – Blacklisted – releases October 2020.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
My Thoughts:
Unforgiven is the first book that I’ve read in the Loveless Texas Series. It has a heartbreaking and spellbinding prologue that reels you in to Hill Gamble and Kody Lawton’s story.
These two have quite the past! Kody’s first love was Hill’s younger brother, Aaron, who was a troubled soul with severe mental health problems. Kody had been drawn to Hill first, but she dismissed the idea of them together, because Kody and Aaron, who started out as best friends, were a lot more alike.
Hill moved to get away from his dysfunctional family, but as he found himself getting closer to, and falling in love with Kody, he completely removed himself from her and his brother. When tragedy struck, Kody never forgave Hill for what she construed as his abandonment of her and Aaron.
Now many years later, Hill is a Texas Ranger, and must deliver horrible news to the Lawton’s; their father has been murdered. Kody has always struggled with her emotions, and preferred to focus on her anger so that she can survive the tragedies that have occurred in her life. However, with Hill in close proximity, and danger escalating as her father’s killer is on the loose, walls will come down, and feelings will be revealed. Will this be Kody and Hill’s chance to have the love that they’ve secretly longed for from each other, or will the killer get to one of them first?
I loved Kody’s sassy, spitfire, impulsive, and independent personality! She was tough on the outside, but had a tender heart. Hill was patient, kind, sexy, loyal, and gave everyone and everything his best. I enjoyed getting both characters points of view. I thought Kody was unfair to Hill at the beginning of the story, and it made me angry, but I understood it was a coping and defense mechanism.
The first half of the story was a bit slow, because both characters were in their heads a lot, and not a whole lot was happening. The second half of the story took off, as the suspense ramped up, and more began happening between Kody and Hill, as well as with the killer.
I enjoyed Kody’s brothers Case and Crew, as well as their significant others, and would like to go back and read their stories. This book can easily be read as a standalone, but I would love to learn more about the secondary characters, as well as the Lawton’s upbringing. The secondary character that shone through and really sparked my interest was MC Club President, “Shot,” and I can’t wait to get his story. He’s my favorite type of alpha bad boy, and it would be nice to see him fall in love and get his happily ever after.
If you enjoy romantic suspense, with a sexy and swoon-worthy cowboy, a fun and sassy female lead, as well as a lovable cast of secondary characters, check out Unforgiven!
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!!
#Netgalley
-5 Stars!-
-Diane-
There was a lot of Unforgiven that was unexpected and came as a surprise to me. It was filled with twists and turns that kept you thinking. It was also packed with a lot of emotion, drama, and action. Hill is an amazing guy. He’s a super hard worker who wants to help people. He has a big heart and is a man who will take the blame for others. I loved learning more about him and thoroughly enjoyed him. Kody is a tough, independent woman who loves her family. She has not had an easy past by any means, but she’s a fighter and has gotten through it with the help of her brothers. I love her and Hill together. I think they’re made for each other and they both deserve to finally have a HEA. The storyline was intriguing for sure, and I wasn’t expecting everything to play out the way it did. I can’t wait for Shot’s book after that epilogue! *I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
I knew there was a lot of history with Kody Lawton and Hill Gamble based upon their interactions in the last book, but I was not prepared for the depth of their pain.
Kody Lawton is the fiery, impulsive little sister of Case and Crew. She is now a bar owner and keeps some questionable company. But her past is filled with pain, abandonment, and chaos. She once was really close both to Hill and his younger brother, Aaron. Hill was the more untouchable, reserved, good guy that was going places. Aaron was more wild and free like herself so they gravitated towards each other. But there is a lot more to that story that has left lasting effects on both Hill and Kody.
Hill always had a soft spot for Kody, but eventually felt he needed to distance himself. But he now lives with regret. He got out of Loveless and is now a Texas Ranger, but he has always had unresolved feelings for her.
Now in the midst of a murder investigation, they are spending time together. And things are heating up and old feelings are being stirred. They have strong reactions to each other and make each other feel whether it be good or bad. But Kody has such fear of being hurt or left again and froze up her heart years ago. And Hill is supposed to be impartial and do his job without distractions. And there might be a stigma of them even trying to be together based on the past.
These two have survived so much throughout their lives, is it finally their chance to find a bit of happiness?
This is a slow burn, yet sometimes volatile and steamy, second-chance love story built on a mystery and murder. But it is also about healing and moving on from emotionally challenging pasts and pain. I have to admit some parts seemed to drag a bit for me, and some things seemed a bit over the top. But I liked how Hill and Kody balanced each other.
Her brothers and their significant others return as well as one local outlaw. And there is a new character that brings some more drama. We get some closure, but not all of it. I am looking forward to more in this series and concluding part of the story arc in the next book.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Kody Lawton is in the process of dealing with the murder of her father, Conrad Lawton. Conrad was the past sheriff in Loveless, Texas, a dirty cop and a waste-of-breath father to Kody and her two brothers Case and Crew. Case finally managed to be elected sheriff to replace his corrupt father so the Lawton siblings didn’t have to deal with him much any longer. But that didn’t mean they wished him dead. On the day of Conrad’s funeral Kody noticed a mysterious redhead in attendance. Who is she and why is she at her father’s funeral?
Hill Gamble is a Texas Ranger assigned to the Conrad Lawton murder case as a consultant. He isn’t the agent in charge since the brass belive he is too close to the family. He grew up with the Lawtons and has loved Kody forever, or just about. Now he is determined to find her father’s killer and keep Kody safe.
Unforgiven by Jay Crownover is the second full novel in her Loveless, Texas series. The series began with a novella featuring Crew Lawton, Unbroken. The first full novel, Justified which is Case’s book ended with Hill telling the Lawton siblings their father had been murdered. The storyline in this book continues the murder investigation and the establishment of a relationship between Kody and Hill. I loved the strength of of these two characters. They admit to past mistakes and work to overcome them. There’s penty of action and danger as the murder investigation moves along. Oh! And there’s plenty of heat to entertain readers too! Jay Crownover is a new-to-me author and I am so glad I found her. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series, Blacklisted.
Jay sure knows how to build up this series!!!!! I’m glad we got some insight on Kody and Hill’s background. It sure brings more understanding of their relationship. Also, like how many books are there going to be because I’ll be dropping whatever book I’m reading for the Loveless, Texas series?!?! I’m so excited for Presley’s and Shot’s story! I love how its going to swing into the biker world and actually finish what is going on with Presley’s story from Unforgiven and move straight into Blacklisted. GAHHHHH I can’t wait till Oct. 27th. I highly recommend this series in order. Such good suspense added to them as well.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This book is part of a series. You can read it as a standalone but know the previous characters appear in this one as well. Hill and Kody have always been close when they were kids until he became distant. Little did they knew they both have loved eachother from afar. The loss of Hills brother has always been between them since Kody was engaged to him. Poor Aaron he just didn’t know how to help his depression.
The first half of this book dragged a bit. Just keep reading it will get better. After you reach the epilogue you wished there was more to read. Jay left us wondering will they ever catch the person who killed Kody’s dad. Kody has never been loved by her dad which has affected her adult life. She always felt not good enough for Hill so she settled for less in the past. Now Jay didn’t drag the sex scenes my lord did it get hot almost hot enough to burn you. Thankful Kody was finally able to see that Hill had always loved her.
I can’t wait to read the next book I love Shot and hope he cleans up his club.
Arc provided thru Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hill Gamble did his best to separate himself from his rough childhood and the small town he grew up in, Loveless Texas. Working his way up to Texas Ranger, Hill’s forced to return home to help investigate a murder case. Being back is stirring up feelings he had for Kody Lawton, the girl he’s always loved who also happens to be his deceased brother’s fiance. Full of resentment for the way Hill abandoned her Kody wants nothing to do with him, she especially doesn’t want his help to solve her father’s murder. Unfortunately for her, he’s not going anywhere.
This book was a rollercoaster, the prologue alone was tough to get through. I didn’t read the first in the series and I didn’t feel very lost in this story (I do plan on going back to get all the details). Kody was so strong and stubborn and understandably struggled with massive amounts of guilt. I love a good unrequited love story but this was especially devastating with Aaron’s death in the beginning. Hill and Kody were relatable on the level of loving someone with mental health issues, it’s brutal at times and carries its own baggage. I wanted to be angry with Hill for pretty much abandoning Aaron and Kody, but at the same time understanding a need for space to hang on to your own mental health. There was a lot of set up for what I’m assuming will be a third in the series, and I’m assuming Unforgiven is all going to be important background information. While Kody and Hill had a sort of an hea for their relationship there are still several loose ends, we still don’t have the murdered, and poor Shot, I’m a little concerned for his health. I’m interested to see where the story will go. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC
**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