Justified: Includes a bonus novella

Jay Crownover

Jun 2019 · Sold by Forever

About this eBook

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 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!

Ratings and reviews

3.5 - 4 stars This was a great weekend read! I was sucked in right from the start and didn't want to put it down. I was hesitant to pick it up because I don't often read cowboy romances, but this one felt more small town romance more than anything and I just appreciated the cover for the eye candy it was ;) Justified is an enemies to lovers, forced proximity, suspense, and single parent romance rolled into one. I loved the sparks and sexual tension between Case and Aspen and how the gruff and grumpy sheriff slowly opened his heart. Case is exactly the loyal, protective, alpha hero that I love. I wouldn't have minded a little more groveling on his part though and I did feel that Aspen forgave him very quickly. Also, her strong feelings toward him made sense considering their time together in HS, but Case's feelings seemed to go from hate to love in the blink of an eye. The suspense kept things interesting, but did feel a little over the top at times. I'm really intrigued by Case's little sister, Kody, and a certain Texas Ranger and loved the mysterious vibe. I'm hoping their story will be next! This was my first book by Jay Crownover, and I'm excited to see where this series goes. *I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

4 stars — I was really sucked in to the beginning of this story and didn’t want to put it down, which of course made for a very late night of “one more chapter” before I finally couldn’t keep my eyes open. Still haven’t learned the “don’t start a book at bedtime” lesson. Holy cow did this book ever fit the enemies to lovers trope. There was so much tension between Case and Aspen because of their past, it was PALPABLE. And while I cerebrally understood Case’s feelings, it was hard not to want to shake my head at his stubborn hold on his grudge. It did make it a bit hard to fall in love with him at times. Like, he could be super mean sometimes, and I felt like he got let off the hook a bit too easily. But I did truly believe in his remorse when he finally figured shiznit out. It was interesting to watch his feelings change for Aspen before he was actually willing to accept his feelings changing. It really threw him for a loop, and that was hella fun to watch. Aspen was kind of a complex heroine. She had moments where she could have been a doormat, or where she displayed doormat tendancies, but in general I thought she was pretty strong and feisty, just in a quieter way I guess. I think that part where I was annoyed that Case got let off the hook too easily is kind of a strike against Aspen for me. Not that I didn’t understand, but I guess I wanted a tiny bit more for her. But I did feel for what she was going through, and I really *felt* her fear and anxiety over her situation. Basically she was a heroine that I might not have liked, but for some reason I did anyways. Case and Aspen had great chemistry with one another, there was lots of push and pull. But honestly? For some reason I got bored during the steamy scenes. I don’t know if that was my mood, but EVERY SINGLE scene I found myself looking at Facebook on my phone. I can’t quantify it more than that, but I thought it was a bit too coincidental that it was always the steamy scenes. Take from that what you will. I thought the mystery/suspense/action parts were bar none my favourite part. I really felt that sense of urgency, and while I never quite figured it all out, the bad guys were definitely on my suspicions list from the start, so it wasn’t out of left field. I really enjoyed the secondary characters in this one too, the glimpses of Crew, the ever feisty Kody, the steady Hill, and the adorably wise Hayes. I found it interesting in the author’s note that a few characters show up in her other series, and it makes me more interested in seeking them out (since this is my first series of hers). All in all, a solid romantic suspense. I really did enjoy watching Case and Aspen find their way to one another, and the mystery kept me on my toes.

***5 Stars*** I really enjoyed Unbreakable (Loveless, Texas #0.5), and it most certainly had me wanting the next book in the series ASAP, but I LOVED Justified. I mean seriously LOVED it. I was hooked from the first page and between the intense chemistry between Case and Aspen and trying figure who was after Aspen, I couldn’t put it down and wasn’t all that happy to say good bye for now when there were no more words to read. Ok, so I adored Case. I did. He’s a really good man, father and person. He has a big heart and honor is etched on his soul...BUT...even though I totally empathized with what happened to him in regards to his son, he has the asshattery thing down pat. The man could get vicious and, as horrible as this is to say, I LOVED it when that lightbulb moment hit him and how it affected him. Aspen was amazing. She has a huge heart and regardless of the situation she finds herself in, she finds a way to pick herself up and make it work. I loved her strength and how, even when her insecurities came out to mess with her head, she didn’t let them overtake her for long. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Aspen get under Case’s skin. He does get under hers, but watching Case struggle to maintain his distance from Aspen was a lot of fun. Their snipping and bantering had me chuckling and the chemistry between them was undeniable. The situation they found themselves in with someone going after Aspen kept the angstyness between them low ~ or at least as low as it could ~ but I loved watching them fall and where they were at when the book ended. While I haven’t read all of the books the author has written, I have dived into a hand full and I have to say this one is my favorite by far. The writing was engaging, the pacing good and the dual first person POV was done well. The whole mystery/suspense aspect was well thought out and executed ~ I didn’t figure it out until it was revealed. And then there are the supporting cast of characters. It was fun catching up a bit with Crew and Della, but I adored Hayes, Kody and Hill and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, because if it’s who I think it’ll be about...then it promises to be quite intense! ~ Copy provided by the publisher & voluntarily reviewed ~

About the author

Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series, the Saints of Denver series, the Point series, Breaking Point series, the Getaway series, and the Loveless, Texas series. Her books have been translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.
Learn more: www.jaycrownover.comTwitter @JayCrownoverFacebook.com/AuthorJayCrownover