Justified: Includes a bonus novella

Jay Crownover

June 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

***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 ~

Wowza! Welcome to Loveless Texas!! And no love lost between Sheriff Case Lawton and Aspen Barlow, the attorney he blames for everything wrong with his life for the past 15 years. What a flipping great story Jay has given us, mystery, suspense, smart women and hot damn a badge wearing cowboy! One who slowly learns exactly how his life unfolded along with Aspens' and getting his head around how things can change. Happy now, he's got his son living with him he gets called out to Aspens new law office that's been vandalized. He's not happy being there, he's unaware that Aspen and her husband are going through a divorce, one in which he's refusing to sign the final papers, the weasel that he is and how he just seems to show up. Case has no problem putting him in his place. Neither does Aspen. Later that night Aspen goes home after dealing with the aftermath of her office mess and finally falls asleep, bad dreams and wakes to the smell of smoke. She's forced out onto the roof. She's forced to jump having no choice, ending up in the hospital and once again facing Case. Now having lost everything she owns, and no place to go Case calls in a favor from his sister who owns the town bar. Loved her. Case isn't sure she'll even bring Aspen anything to wear because his family blames her for his losing custody of his son. That's where their shared reality diverges in a huge way. He's a total dick to her early on in the book, and she's just as nice as she can be but the woman also takes no prisoners. Jay's given us two strong women in this book and I loved it! Between Case's sister Kody and Aspen, their dynamic and friendship is totally relatable. The suspense will keep you on edge as Case takes her home to his house and sends his son out to his brothers farm to live while she's there. When the rubber hits the road the curves and twists are superb. Makes for a stunning read, full of steam, tension and a great suspense. Bring on Kody's story, I'm ready! arc from NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review

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*

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