When Case Lawton is torn when he has to investigate a break in at attorney Aspen Barlow's office. Aspen was the lawyer that he thinks screwed him out of child custody in his divorce, and Case is holding a grudge the size of Texas against her.

Aspen Barlow remembers Case from their high school days when he was the one to protect her against the name-callers. But when she returns to Loveless, Case is involved in a bitter divorce and he doesn't really remember her. Then she gets to represent his ex-wife in the divorce, making for some real tension between these two.

But Case is an honorable man and a professional so he tries not to let the past cloud his judgement when it comes to Aspen, especially when the perpetrator ups the ante by becoming an arsonist. It all becomes fairly tense as it's clear someone is out to kill Aspen.

There's a good bit of tension going on with the attempted murder investigation, and there's a lot of sexual tension between Case and Aspen as they find out they aren't quite the person they thought. I loved that about this book. The suspense goes from start to finish in this story and kept me on the edge of my seat. Jay Crownover's romantic suspense gets better with each new tale of treachery against a backdrop of steamy emotions.

Justified is a tale of suspense and forgiveness that grabbed me on the first pages and kept me turning them to the very end. It also left me needing Kody's (Case's sister) story. Really enjoyed this one.

An ARC was provided for review.

Review and blog tour can be found on *Milky Way of Books*

Case and Aspen are two people who were hit hard by life and both try to find new meaning after the tragedy. Well, add in a mystery, car chases and steamy romance and you have a great recipe that never fails to amaze me in a book by Jay Crownover.

The town of Loveless is a great place to develop this new series. There used to be a very high crime rate and Case, as the new Sheriff, tries to bring back peace and justice after he brought down his own father, who was the previous sheriff. Aspen tries to settle after her separation with her husband and soon she will find herself entangled into a mystery that wants her dead.

Haters to lovers relationships are also a favorite trope for me. And it was done in a way that felt realistic and emotional. I can't wait to see what will happen with the next upcoming couple!

I’ve been a long-time reader of Jay Crownover’s, and I’ve loved all of her rough-around-the-edges, tattooed bad boys and their complex, hard-fought happily-ever-afters. I wasn’t sure exactly what Jay would do with cowboys, but boy, did I love it. She has completely swept me off my feet with her Loveless, Texas series. The prequel novella, Unbroken, absolutely whetted my appetite for these cowboys, and Justified has blown me away!

Crownover comes out swinging with a two-pronged plot that drew me in from page one. Pairing an angsty, steamy enemies-to-lovers romance with a twisty, turny suspense arc, Justified was a riveting love story between two people with a long and complicated history. A Stetson on his head and a badge on his belt, Case Lawton is formidable, commanding and heart-flutteringly handsome. Dark-haired, porcelain-skinned and a pint-sized powerhouse in the courtroom, Aspen Barlow, is Case’s opposite in all ways. She was that weird goth girl in high school who never felt like she truly belonged in Loveless until she was welcomed and befriended by the younger, gentler, high school heartthrob version of Case.

The sweet friendship they once shared is scorched by the explosion of Case’s life, and he holds a mean grudge for eight years as he believes Aspen, a divorce attorney in town, is partially to blame for his woes. As the elected sheriff of Loveless, though, he can’t exactly pick and choose who he protects and serves, and Aspen, though loathe to accept Case’s protection, needs it. They say that love and hate are the opposite sides of the same coin, and Jay tests that theory out in Justified with spectacular results. This story was so passionate in absolutely every sense of the word. The gut-churning angst, the anger simmering between them, and finally, the lust. Oh yes, the sparks were flying in Loveless, right along with the bullets.

Bursting with authentic emotion, sizzlingly sexy with a suspense story that kept me tapping my Kindle as furiously as the relationship build-up did, Justified was a quintessential Jay Crownover story, but with a fresh, new spin. I positively devoured this story, and I’m hungry for more. Justified is Jay Crownover at the top of her game, doing what she does best, and giving her readers a difficult, hard-earned, heart-tugging love story between two seemingly ill-matched people. Five smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads

Justified was an alright read. The animosity between Aspen and Case mixed in with Case helping Aspen, throw in the suspense and romance brewing and it was intriguing for sure. Seeing how it would all play out was fascinating. Both the characters of Aspen and Case had their perfection and their flaws. The push-and-pull between the two did keep the story going for me. I also liked the family aspect when it came to Case and his siblings. Though I wasn’t completely in love with the story, it was still an okay read for me. I am intrigued by another possible couple and the mystery revealed at the end. Overall, a book mixed with romance and suspense that will keep you reading.

The Lawton family is known for being crooked and Case is breaking that cycle by taking his fathers place as Sheriff and really taking care of things the right way. Then he's called in for a break in at Aspen Barlow's law office. He would like nothing to do with her after she took part in having his son taken away in a custody battle a while ago. After a couple mishaps its clear someone is trying to take her out and now Aspen is under the care of Case they can find out who is behind everything and why.

If you like a good mystery then you'll like this book. I loved that there was so much going on with this book to keep me hooked. I loved seeing how everything in this book played out. I loved seeing that attraction that was forming between the two and there was plenty of steam going on between those two! I loved seeing how they worked on solving the case, and just seeing everything play out. Plus that ending! With how it turned out I need to start keeping my eye out for this author. Also it wasn't until I read the authors note apparently this is apart of a whole larger thing along with being the start of a branch off. Going to have to do some research and see what I can get ahold of because I'm curious enough after reading this. Overall great book I really enjoyed it!

First time reading a story by JC and I am hooked. I want more...more Loveless, more of these characters and more of JC’s writing. I found the story, community, emotions and dialogue engaging and loved being on the journey from start to end. The introduction and buildup of the sister and Texas Ranger has me excited for the future of this series as well...and that ending phewww I can’t wait to see what it brings!

Thank you NetGalley, Forever and Jay Crownover for the chance to read this book and share my opinion!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Author Jay Crownover.
Justified was good at making my emotions be all over the place. I enjoy books that pull you in.
Case and Aspen will take you from love, to hate, to angst to crying, and to being happy that they finally get there lives pulled together within themselves as well as with each other.
I liked the setup of this series and the strong emotions it gave me as I read.
Pick up this book!
4.5 🍒🍒🍒🍒popped!

Loveless Texas #1, The first full length story, if you haven't read the prequel novella that's fine it's not required. Case Lawton was the golden boy in high school, but then his mother died, he got injured, lost his scholarship, and his girlfriend got pregnant. He joined the military and when he came back he became a Sheriff's Deputy and everyone just assumed he would follow in his father's footsteps. But everyone was wrong working under his abusive, prejudice, I-going-to-use-the-law-in-my-favor father gave Case the ammunition he needed to get his father out of the Sheriff's office and get elected himself and then he cleaned house.

Aspen Barlow always felt like she was the outsider, not having been born in Loveless and being different made her even more of an outcast. Only one person made her feel special in school, Case, he made a point to welcome her and include her in events she ended up falling in love with him. She watched as his life derailed but she never lost faith that he was a better man than his father. In order to protect Case and his son she made an enemy out of the man she once love and represented his wife in the divorce. Eight years later he is still holding a grudge but when he gets called to a break in at her office everything changes.

I loved this book! Being so new to Jay Crownover I haven't read any of the other books in which Case ties into but that's fine I really wasn't missing anything, except now I want to go and read more of her books. Told in duel first person POV you get both sides of the story and that really makes you want to smack Case at different points in the book because he basically made Aspen his scapegoat and when she finally calls him on it you want to pump your fist in the air and cheer her on. I got very attached to the characters, they felt so real and I am really looking forward to Kody's book!! I loved the pacing of the book and it was well balanced of emotional and suspense with just a smidge of humor, usually Kody. Overall, this book has definitely won me over, I am now a fan of Jay Crownover and I can't wait for my next fix.

I've been reading Jay's work for several years now. It's been amazing to watch her grow as a writer. When she announced that she was publishing a Western novel, I was over the moon. I don't usually read western romance novels. However, when she published The Getaway series, I WAS IN LOVE! She did such an amazing job on that series!! It was soooo good y'all! So I gave this western a shot and was NOT disappointed at all.

This book has a duel POV. Aspen is a super likeable character. At the beginning of the book we really get to see how much of a soft spot she has for Case Lawton. Case is a big time football star with huge dreams after high school. When Aspen was the new girl in town, Case takes the time to be kind to her.

Well, high school is over now and the real world problems have set in. I love the tension between Case and Aspen. You can just feel the heat ready to boil over. Aspen has been holding in all these feelings for Case since they were younger. She has been trying to secretly help him keep the thing that is most important to him. Plus, she has to save face for the sake of her job. She's trying to get through a nasty divorce, deal with starting her own firm and try to deal with someone literally stalking her and trying to end her life.
Case is trying not to follow in the footsteps of his father and hold what little of his life he has left together. He's trying to raise his son and be the sheriff at the same time. His broody and kinda moody too. Also, he's trying to keep Aspen (his nemesis) safe from harm. The chemistry between this is so hot! Ahh, I loved it so much!! I absolutely love Case's sister Kody too. She's hilarious and protective at the same time. I feel like she's an important part of this book. I'm rooting for her to be in the new Loveless book *fingers crossed*.

The plot of this book is fresh and totally believable. Seriously, Hallmark should pick this up for a movie deal. I could totally see this being made into some soft of movie or a kick ass TV show. I loved the enemies to lovers vibe this book has going on. It wasn't as "western" as I thought it would be. It was more western/mystery/suspense/romance. The story flowed so well and everything wraps up nicely. It leaves us with an open ending leading into another book, which I cannot wait to see who's in it! All in all, I give this book a solid five stars *****. This book gave me everything I wanted and more. Like I said, Jay has grown so much in her writing. Super proud of her and I can't wait to recommend this book to my customers at the store!!

I was hooked on this book from the first page! Case and Aspen had one action packed roller coaster ride of a story that had more than a few twists that I did not expect to see. The enemies to lovers story for this pair comes with a long history for them that they work through as the chemistry between them goes off the charts. I enjoyed that the story was told from dual POV as well as the return of the characters from the previous book in this series. I also can't wait to see where this series will go next as we get a glimpse of the possibilities at the end of Case and Aspen's story. I recommend this book to others as well as this series.

for some reason, i just couldn't click with this one. i don't know if it was the characters or the story, or the writing. i liked it well enough, i liked the trope, though i felt like it went from enemies to lovers a bit too quickly/easily. i understood why aspen felt the way she did but i do feel like case's feelings came out of nowhere. also, he could have grovelled a bit more... but other than that, it was entertaining and i am curious about the next book.

I loved this book so much. I actually read it fairly quickly because I just couldn't (didn't want to) put it down.



This book is an enemy to a romance story that is suspense and passion that will keep you hooked. It is very well written and will make you want more.



I am giving this 5 out of 5.

I have no clue where to start with Justified, Jay has completely thrown me by jamming so much into one story-line there is just no way on earth to do the plot justice.

Case and Aspen have a long and tumultuous history which has maintained he distance between them and clouded their perceptions. However, when Aspen’s life is placed in danger, they are given the opportunity to bridge the gap between them and lay the skeletons in their closet to rest.

Case and Aspen are very similar in their desire to help others and make a difference in their community. Unfortunately, the ghosts of the past keep them shackled to their regrets for far too long. Although the situation between them is precarious at best, the opportunity to become the people they dreamed of being is a silver lining among the black clouds rolling over them.

It is almost as if Case and Aspen had to travel the rough path in order to reach their destination – each other 💕 Being together fills all the missing spaces they have inside, they are definitely stronger together and provide a respite from the storm around them.

Case’s son, Hayes, absolutely stole my heart. Wise beyond his years and one of lives pure souls, I want to adopt him.

There are a number of shocking plot twists within the narrative, adding to the tension and drama of the story as a whole.

Justified enables us to catch up with all of the Lawton siblings but it also adds to the desire to uncover all of their secrets. A few more tasty titbits are laid down where the lone Lawton female, Kody, is concerned. With a HUGE cliffhanger at the end of Justified promising, there is a lot left to be uncovered where Loveless, Texas is concerned.

Justified by Jay Crownover is the first full length novel in the contemporary romance Loveless, Texas series. The series opened with Unbroken, a prequel novella, which featured different characters so each could be read and understood as a standalone if choosing to do so although there will be mentions of previous characters. Justified is also being published with a bonus short story, It’s All About That Cowboy by Carly Bloom however my review/rating is strictly for Justified as the review copy did not include the bonus to read.

Aspen Barlow had always been an outsider in Loveless with Case Lawton being the only one to welcome her in school leading to a crush she’s never forgotten. As the two left high school they went their separate ways and began completely different lives. When Aspen and Case finally crossed paths again it wasn’t on good terms as Aspen was assigned to be Case’s wife’s divorce lawyer and won the case. Years have passed since then with Case holding a bit of a grudge but when Aspen’s life is threatened the two are forced together with Case currently acting sheriff.

Starting out reading Justified I was happy to know the characters shared a past so the romance wouldn’t be coming out of left field but learning their animosity I began to wonder. It soon became clear though that while these two were opposites in every way things should have been worked out sooner and I got behind their relationship. What really made me love this though and give it 4 1/2 stars was the author added a lot of suspense and threw in a twist or two that surprised me so two thumbs up on that one!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Justified by Jay Crownover centers around Aspen Barlow and Case Lawton (you may remember Case from Jay’s other books, Salvaged and the Gateway series. No need to read these first, just a nice Easter egg planted by Jay)

I would classify Justified as a small town, love/hate, second chance romance.

Aspen and Case are former high school friends turned nemesis’ after Aspen represents Case’s ex in a custody battle. Case is the newly elected sheriff taking the reigns of Loveless after his corrupt father was voted out, has a chip on his shoulder and a hatred of Aspen which is palpable but not completely deserved as we discover.
I love when an author thoroughly grabs me from the beginning with an intriguing story. Her prologue is on point!
Jay does characters best and she didn’t disappoint with her characters in Justified! Whether it be the main characters or supporting characters she leaves you wanting more. They have valid thoughts, and actions, making the story and characters believable and likable.
I loved my stay in Loveless, Texas and can’t wait to see what Jay has in store for us next and the Lawtons. (I’m really hoping for Kodys book next!)

5/5 Stars for Justified. This book was provided by NetGalley for a fair and honest review.

I loved this book! It was so immersive and action packed. It wasn’t completely romance packed.

The characters were so relatable and I couldn’t get out of the story. I completely forgot about this review because I was so into it.

Honestly, for me, Jay Crownover can do no wrong.

Aspen and Case have years of history, and it's well known in the small town of Loveless, Texas, that he absolutely despises her. He has his reasons, mostly based on interactions they had through the years, but he doesn't know all of her reasoning for how things played out. Then someone tries to kill her, and as sheriff, it's up to him to capture the suspect. Spending more time with Aspen and seeing her vulnerable side starts to crack Case. Takes up until the very end to know the entirety of why someone is out to get Aspen. Suspenseful and hot enemies to lovers book. Really looking forward to more of the series!

I really enjoyed this first book in the Loveless, Texas series. This friends to enemies to lovers story pretty much checked all of my favorites--small town (in my beloved Texas,) big broody hero (who is the sheriff, HELLO hotness,) damsel in distress, awful exes, and enough suspense to keep me guessing until the very end. Add to all of this a pretty good helping of heat and I was hooked from beginning to end and didn't want to put it down. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one!

Jay Crownover hits it out of the park with this sexy and suspenseful enemies-to-lovers romance. Justified is the first, standalone book in her Loveless, Texas series, but there is also a novella, Unbroken, out now that I wholeheartedly recommend. Case and Aspen were friendly acquaintances while they were in high school, but everything changed when she represented his ex-wife in his divorce, during which Case lost custody of his son. He blamed her for the outcome, and they’ve been trading well-placed barbs and seething looks since then. Although he is surly and claims to hate her, he doesn’t hesitate to do his duty as sheriff when Aspen is suddenly threatened by an unknown, dangerous source. She’s prickly and resists his help, but he doesn’t take no for an answer and surprises himself when he wants to go above and beyond what’s necessary to keep her safe. Their forced proximity allows them the opportunity to reexamine their falling out, look past old hurts and truly understand one another, and their burgeoning attraction heats their every interaction. You’ll be on the edge of your seat and thoroughly entertained while cheering for this sassy, feisty heroine and grumpy, swoon-worthy cowboy as they bicker their way to happily ever while unraveling the mystery of who wants to hurt Aspen.

I am always a fan of Jay Crownover's work, it seems. And this is no difference.

This new series is going to be one that I want to re-read, I can already tell. Her characters and plot twists had me staying up to finish the book. AGAIN.

There is no struggling to get through the first part of the book to get to the good stuff with her writing as it grabs you from the very beginning and keeps you. You cannot help but become invested in the characters because they are people you can envision knowing in real life.

The plot twists have you guessing and make you not want to stop reading - even in the early hours of morning.

I cannot wait until the next book comes out!