✦Review: BLACKLISTED by Jay Crownover https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bBv
Publication Date: October 27, 2020
Genre: Western Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars 

I liked this installment in the Loveless, TX series. Shot’s reluctant attraction to Presley was fun to watch. He was the President of a local MC, but the club was just a sidebar to the story. I liked him. An alpha that wasn’t in-your-face about it, and new to feeling love in a realistic way. Presley was likeable as well. Even though she made some decisions that conflicted with her supposed intelligence, I understood her.

This book managed to give enough time to their budding relationship even though the danger was always near her. The suspense was intermingled with some dark and gritty moments, along with friends and family pulling together. Their romance moved at the perfect pace until it developed into a hot and sexy relationship. I will add that I was happy when they worked through a problem without the time-worn flouncing and accusations. Nicely done.

The author’s writing style appealed to me and kept me anxiously reading to see what would happen next. I look forward to more.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


Kindle https://amzn.to/31H06mQ

"Who would've ever thought I was going to end up with my very own hero...or rather, my very own antihero?"

I love this series and I was looking forward for this one!What I liked most was that the characters were so opposite but they find a way to be perfect for each others!They have an amazing chemistry, they were intense and so hot!I liked their connection!

We have suspense and romance and drama!I was so invested to the story!

Presley’s life has transformed from tranquil to turmoil between the family she didn’t know about, losing her mother and a friend turned dangerous.    The only thing that may  help her through this tumultuous time in her life is knowing that Shot and Sons of Sorrow MC owe her a favor and it is time to collect.

Shot is the President of the MC who needed Presley’s medical skills and she didn’t hesitate to assist.   Now that she finds herself in danger, he will do whatever is necessary to repay the favor but neither expected the chemistry or feelings between them that continue to escalate with every passing day.

From first appearances Presley and Shot couldn’t be more different but Shot shows that he is much more than the biker image he portrays while Presley proves she is stronger than even she knows.     Although their journey started out on less than ideal circumstances, they couldn’t have been a better match.

on avait pu rencontrer Shot et Presley dans le tome précédent et j'étais assez curieuse de voir comment leurs vies allaient se lier. J'ai beaucoup aimé leurs caractères indépendants et francs, ils n'ont ni l'un ni l'autre déjà connu l'amour et forcément, ils font des erreurs. Certaines choses vont parfois un peu vite mais j'ai beaucoup aimé la manière dont ils vont au bout de leurs idées, même quand elles sont mauvaises. La tension est bien présente, il pèse des menaces sur nos deux héros et j'étais impatiente de voir comment ils allaient s'en sortir. La fin est vraiment très chouette et c'est à regret qu'on les quitte !

What can I say about this book? I loved it, that I can say but it doesn't seem like enough. Shot has intrigued me from the very beginning of this series and I was not remotely disappointed by his book. Presley is a strong woman, she's had to be to make it through everything she is going through. When they get together we see two people from completely different worlds figuring out how they fit together. Jay manages to make this the most riveting experience!! I got lost in this book and didn't want to come out! I actually took hours to read the epilogue to draw it out because I didn't want it to end!! Shot and Presley are both who you think they are and completely different from what you expect. I will definitely be adding Shot to my harem in actuality he just has a new room, I added him at the beginning of the series... If you are still wondering - READ THIS!!!

Romance readers! There's a new book boyfriend in town and his name is Shot Caldwell! You might remember him from the previous book in this romance series from Jay Crownover. There's a good dose of suspense here as well.

So, when we last met Shot, he was, well, shot a number of times and Dr. Presley Baskin gets the call to come to her sister Kody's Lawton's bar to help him under police radar. It leaves Shot in the position of owing her one, an he doesn't like that. And he doesn't like the fact he's drawn to Presley in a way he hasn't experienced before.

I love a romance where the "never-going-to-have-a-relationship" hero falls really hard, and Shot does just that. He can't stay away from Presley, and she does need his protection since her enemy stalker is still on the loose. Presley tries to stay away from him, not wanting to jeopardize her relationship with her new family, but she can't. He's just too... persistent. Rawr.

When Shot collaborates with Case and Hill to bring down Presley's stalker, things don't go as planned with disastrous consequences. I was surprised by a few things in this book, and the ending was one of them. I just loved it!

Overall, I loved this book and this series. There was a nice amount of suspense complementing the romantic elements. There is a bit of a slow start with this one, but once it gets going, things really move along quite nicely. I loved these characters and I liked how the Lawton family comes together. And really, Shot was most definitely worth it!

An ARC was provided by the publisher. This is my honest review.

Jay Crownover’s writing speaks to me on many different levels, and several of her complex, hard-fought love stories are amongst my all-time, top favorite books. I have really enjoyed the entire Loveless Texas series, but I’ve been most anxious for this story. In Blacklisted, Crownover does what she does best – pairing two seemingly ill matched people in a love match that works spectacularly.

No one does an opposites-attract romance quite like Crownover. She works her magic wonderfully by pitting otherwise incompatible heroes and heroines, and challenging them to make sense of their attraction and to fight for their happily ever after. In Blacklisted, Shot and Presley couldn’t be any more different, but despite those differences, they’re powerfully drawn to each other in a way neither has ever felt before. Sizzling chemistry wasn’t all this couple shared, though. In each other they both found more than either of them anticipated, but also something they both desperately wanted. Coupled with the culmination of an exciting suspense plot, complete with a couple of curveballs, Shot and Presley’s story kept me on the edge of my seat and devouring Crownover’s words.

Blacklisted by Jay Crownover gets 4.5 smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads

Jay Crownover's Loveless, Texas series concludes with Blacklisted,  With this third in series, we finally get more Presley and more Shot.  I was excited to see that we were going to be getting an opposites attract with this last bit of suspense.  I loved their chemistry and fell into their story.  

While Blacklisted can definitely be read as a standalone, the best reading experience would be as part of the series.  Everything comes together with this final installment

Blacklisted was so fantastic! I was on the edge of my seat, hooked the entire time. It was an exciting and passionate read with wonderful characters and an outstanding build. I couldn’t get enough!

I loved Presley and Shot and the whole opposites attract vibe they had happening. I love how they met, and the intenseness between them. Presley seems so buttoned up and in a bad place and I loved her metamorphosis over the course of the story. I really liked her relationship with Shot, how their attraction grew, and how she started to put herself out there. I loved Shot. He's sexy, sweet, and protective but alpha and hard. I loved their vulnerable moments and when feelings were shared, it felt so raw and real.

There was a thrilling suspense element happening that I really enjoyed. I loved learning all the details about Presley's history and all she was going through. I liked learning about Shot as well and the club issues he was dealing with. There was an excellent amount of drama and action happening that made for an addicting read.

I loved all the different relationships happening with the Lawton’s and Presley. I loved how they embraced her and brought her into the fold, especially Kody. It was a beautiful thing. There were some great updates about previous couples as well and I was so happy to get them.

This was such an exceptional story. It felt intense yet inviting and I loved the mystery element that was in play. This was an engaging read full of drama, emotion, and love. I loved the build and the characters, and this amazing family that came together. This is an outstanding series!

It's exactly what I needed. It has some suspense, action, some scheming and an outlaw protective hunk of man. Yummmm. Shot is the type of man that makes Presley question what her type is. Question if being on the straight and narrow all her life was the right choice because he is THAT tempting. But being completely different works in their favor. Because she is the calm to his chaos. And  I like that Shot was intrigued by Presley but not automatically attracted to her. Made it believable. Made it even better because he took the time to be impressed by her, recognizing how strong she was. I was very much looking forward to Shot's story and it did not disappoint. This biker has a lot to offer with his good and his devious side.

Thanks to her quiet nature and her mother’s longtime illness, medical examiner Dr. Presley Baskin has lived quietly and with few friends for her whole life, but all that changes when she learns she’s part of the Lawton family.  The Lawtons are well-known in small town Loveless, Texas, and the tightknit family has brought their new half-sister into their rather chaotic fold.  This acceptance is how she winds up stitching up Shot Caldwell, her half-sister’s friend, despite her qualms about his less than legal activities.  Once she’s certain he’ll pull through, Presley wants nothing more than to steer clear of the president of the rough and tumble biker club based just outside town.  She works directly with law enforcement after all and he is decidedly a law unto himself.  But when her former best friend turned stalker seems to be moving closer, Presley only trusts Shot to keep her safe.  He owes her a favor after all.

Palmer Caldwell, better known as Shot, has never been one for any serious relationship.  His lifestyle typically precludes them.  But he hates owing anyone and while he waits anxiously for Presley to call in her favor, he finds his protectiveness of her is like nothing he’s ever felt before.  When she finally does ask for his help, Shot realizes this has gone beyond reciprocity and he’ll do anything to ensure her safety.

This book is unlike anything I’ve read before, but I was so intrigued by the description and cover that I wanted to give it a try.  Shot wound up being an amazing protective alpha hero, even with all his very rough edges.  It was nice to see him vindicated here and for Presley’s family to give him credit where it was due.  Presley was frustrating for me in her tendency to hide and her inability to communicate, even if it was understandable.  Even at the end I still didn’t feel like she quite had her priorities in line where Shot was concerned, and she didn’t fully understand the true depth of his feelings for her.  This left me just a bit dissatisfied, like she wasn’t quite as invested as he was.  The final action scene also didn’t pan out quite like I was hoping, and I think it could’ve been handled a bit differently to give Shot more of a chance to shine.  Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the writing here and this book was delightfully fast paced.  I couldn’t put it down and I haven’t been able to truly say that about a book in some time.  I think anyone who has ever felt like they didn't quite fit in can find something to relate to here.  I enjoyed this writing a lot and the Lawton family was entertaining enough that I’d like to go back and read the other books of the series to fill in the gaps I missed.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This installment picks right up from the end of the last book (Unforgiven). I think that reading this series in order will provide the best enjoyment because you would have followed the characters journey thus far.

In this story, Dr. Presley Baskin is still reeling from the revelation that she was the illegitimate daughter and half-sibling to the Lawton’s. And on top of that, her “best” friend Ashby had been gaslighting her and now stalking her. Presley was placed in protective custody because Ashby was trying to kill her, but Presley has had enough of hiding. With the help of Shot Caldwell, Presley plans to help catch Ashby and reclaim her life. As these two opposites band together to stop her former friend, they also find out that they have a strong attraction to each other. With so much danger and uncertainty, can Shot protect Presley from her enemy and keep their relationship from intensifying?

First of all, this story works on so many levels. These are characters that have been carefully developed over the course of the prior books. Then this story was told using a dual POV so we are given equal turns in Presley and Shot’s mind. I felt like I understood their values and motivations, so even though they were opposites, they fit each other perfectly. They had serious chemistry so be prepared for sexual heat in this book. I also love the interplay with the prior couples from the prequel all the way to the last book. This book completes the full picture of the Lawton family and their respective loves. That is a common thread with Jay Crownover stories, they always have family at the heart of the plot. If you haven’t tried this author, I highly recommend this series because as a storyteller she combines a bit of mystery and suspense with romance. But as I said in the beginning, I suggest reading her books in order.

Blacklisted might be the final book in Jay Crownover’s Loveless, Texas series, but it won’t be the last of her’s I read. Maybe someone could persuade her into an MC spinoff series? I wouldn’t mind cameos of these characters in other books!

What I loved:

The characters are NOT twenty-somethings. So this statement is a bit hypocritical of me, maybe, because one of my all-time favorite books that I re-read and re-listen to all the time is Rule by Jay Crownover. And, you guessed it, the main characters are twenty-somethings. I don’t know why that book is different for me, but it just is, so there. 
In general, though, I very much enjoy older, more established characters.

Shot. I do love me a mans man, alpha man, and that is Shot Caldwell to a T! President of the local MC, military veteran, and overall badass mofo. Yep, lurve me some Shot Caldwell.

I thought the storyline was so interesting. The heroine, Presley, is a medical examiner, which is a unique career from most of the heroines I read. The in’s and outs of her history along with Shot’s and how they overlap created some exciting drama.

Overall I thought Blacklisted is a great story, and I have enjoyed this series so much. Still hoping we might get to see some of the secondary characters from the MC in a spinoff, but this is another five star read for me!

*Side note for anyone who is an audiobook lover. I have listened to this series on Audible and enjoyed it immensely. I will also be listening to Blacklisted as soon as it’s out as well. So I highly recommend this on Audible too.

I have to thank Jennifer Ryan, (one of my favorite authors), for recommending Jay Crownover with the second book “Unforgiven”. I was hooked and ended up reading “Unforgiven” and “Justified” in one sitting, and pre-ordered “Blacklisted” in the same stretch!

I loved the Lawtons as it is, but the tiny peak of Palmer “Shot” Caldwell had me waiting in anticipation to get to know him and the quite, yet resilient Dr. Presley Baskin. And I am not disappointed at all!! In fact I loved this story even more than the other two. “Blacklisted” by others he may be, misjudged and prejudiced by the public he may be, but all that matters is what’s in your heart, and the love and care of the select few you can trust your life with. Palmer Caldwell has a soul and kindness in abundance hiding underneath that tough exterior.

Palmer has the lovely Presley in his corner, and he never would have thought that his heart would actually beat with love for a woman. There is so much depth and emotion in this relationship, and Jay did a stupendous job creating these characters with so much thought and layers. 

It’s a wonderful, wonderful book not to be missed. And now Jay Crownover is on my top list of authors to watch out for. 

Received an ARC from Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

Absolutely stunning!  I love this series filled with fierce women, sexy lawmen, swaggering cowboys, one dangerous MC Prez, and a terrific family in the Lawtons. I’ve been waiting for Shot’s story. The baddest bad boy and MC President. This author is the queen of opposites attract and I couldn’t begin to imagine how she would handle the attraction between Shot and the newest Lawton sibling, Presley. The smart, staid and reserved doctor/ME is a fabulous character although romantically challenged. How in the world would she be able to handle a stud like Shot? Their lives did not mesh at all. Well, I’m happy to report that this couple more than mesh. OMG they are so H.O.T.  Panty melting, heart throbbing TDF heat. Love this couple and their connection. Even with all that heat there was sweetness too. So good!  There are continuing elements from previous stories as Presley nemesis is still on the loose and Shot is hunting the man that shot him. Lots of danger and suspense along with the new romance and a surprise for one of the other couples. I think this is the last of this series and that makes me so sad. I will miss Loveless and its small town charm along with the Lawtons. The siblings has their struggles, heartbreaks and found their loves. I would love to see a series about this intriguing MC chapter. If not, I’m there for whatever comes next from this outstanding author. Spectacular characters, excellent storytelling, swoon-worthy romance, and intense danger and suspense make this a thrilling read. A must read!

Blacklisted (Loveless, Texas Book 3)
By: Jay Crownover

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

She’s soft and he’s tumble.

Oh my oh my opposites attract. He rough and tumble and she’s intelligent and timid. But if they can get past her new sibling and him being the president of the SOS motorcycle club they might have something after all. The writing is flawless, and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shocking moments. I really enjoyed this book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I really loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. This is a fun, hot, romantic must read book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

Authors Blurb: Dr. Presley Baskin has always lived a quiet, calm life. Unfortunately, nothing about her life in Loveless, Texas -- especially not the wild, rowdy, and impossibly close-knit Lawton family who've claimed her -- is quiet or calm. Which is how loner Presley finds herself roped into patching up local bad boy Shot Caldwell against her better judgment. Presley wants nothing to do with the dangerous, brooding leader of the local outlaw motorcycle club. But when someone starts stalking her, Shot is the only person she trusts to help. Plus he owes her one . . .
Palmer 'Shot' Caldwell has always known his life isn't made for relationships. At least until shy, secretive, Presley reluctantly pulled a bullet out of him. He's oddly protective of the pretty doctor, so when she comes to him for help, hard-hearted Shot suddenly realizes there's nothing he wouldn't do to keep her safe.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book.  It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

I cannot believe Jay Crownover's Loveless, Texas series has come to an end! I have to say Justified (book 1) was so damn good and got me completely invested in this world. It has been an awesome journey seeing what happens to the Lawton family. When I met Shot and Presley in Unforgiven, I was pretty intrigued by them and was extremely excited for their story! Shot's attraction to Presely was also fun to experience. I think their story was a little different than I was expecting. And I'm usually okay with the whole sibling's ex thing, but the way a couple of things happened in this story just didn't work for me. Obviously, these are very personal preferences and might not be an issue for you at all. It was still great to see more of the overarching story and figure out what happened. I enjoyed the series as a whole and I'm so glad I found it. Do yourself a favor and dive into Loveless, Texas for some romantic suspense with sexy cowboys and sassy heroines!

Thank you to Forever Publishing for the review copy in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 stars. This was a pretty good book. Blacklisted was Shot and Presley's book. Presley is the half sister of the Lawton family, who they discovered existed in the other books in the series. Pres has been through the wringer. The woman, who she thought was her best friend, has ruined her life, may have had a hand in her parents' deaths, and is stalking her. Presley is tired of hiding and wants her life back, even if that means drawing out her stalker so that she can be arrested. Shot is the president of the local MC and a good friend (used to be friend with benefits) with Presley's half sister Cody. When Shot is shot one night by a MC enemy, Presley (a doctor and medical examiner) is called in to save his life. After that, the two have a connection and attraction. Shot wants to help protect her and the two explore their feelings for each, while threats come at Presley. There is action, suspense and romance while Presley and Shot fall for each other along the way.

I liked this book and I think it was my favorite of the series. I did want a bit more firsthand resolution. I felt like the climax was a bit too close to the end and the resolution was told/not shown and felt rushed. I wanted more. But I liked Shot and Presley and thought they were good together. Pres had been through so much, yet was still open and vulnerable. I was slightly bothered that Shot used to sleep with Cody. Even though it wasn't serious and they didn't love each other, it was slightly icky. I was curious to know more about Shot's MC and what they did that was so illegal. Overall, though, I did enjoy this book. I was happy that two lonely souls were able to get their HEA. I look forward to more from Ms. Crownover in the future!

I have loved Ms. Crownover since I read Rule, and even though the characters have changed, you still feel like any of her characters could be your family or friend.  I have been waiting for Shot's story since he was first introduced, and I was not disappointed.  Even Presley, who at first, I didn't like, grew on me and I rooted for her to get her happy ending.
  At first glance, you wouldn't think that a biker and a medical examiner would have anything in common, but they truly brought out the best in each other.  He brought her out of her shell and helped her realize that she was giving her former best friend exactly what she wanted.  She brought calm and serenity to his hectic lifestyle.  They truly brought out the best in each other and grew as individuals, as well as, a couple.
  While they were the perfect person for each other, they did have a lot to overcome; mainly their lifestyle differences.  Neither one had ever had a relationship that was serious, she truly had a horrible time with her mom (who was sick) and her supposed best friend.  She was trying to be strong and not need anyone because she didn't want to put them in harms way, but Shot helped her realize that maybe it was okay to have people who cared about her and she cared about.
  Shot was actually a sweetheart, unless he was out for revenge or setting things right.  Just when things were looking good, all heck rains down.  Presley is told something, goes to confront him, finds herself in danger and there isn't anything he can do to stop everything from happening.  I loved every moment of this book.  I highly recommend reading this entire series, you will not be disappointed.
  I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

Life for Dr. Presley Basking has literally been turned upside down. After finding out who her father was, Presley ‘inherited’ three half-siblings in Loveless, Texas. Uncertain where her place was with her newly found family – Presley found herself reluctant to get too close. After all – there’s someone from Presley’s past that is determined to harm those that Presley holds near to her heart.

When Chaos erupts for the Sons of Sorrow, Presley finds herself saving the life of the club President. Shot Caldwell is anything but ordinary. The rugged and prickly biker has a way of attracting attention, and Presley is not immune to his charm. With Shot living on the edge of lawless behavior, he knows that the doctor is at risk for working her medical magic. Determined to repay the debt, Shot finds himself watching out for the woman that has captured his attention in the most unexpected ways.

Blacklisted is the latest release in the Loveless, Texas series by author Jay Crownover. What should I tell you first? Shot has literally stolen the show for me!! The rugged and private biker stepped into Presley’s life like a whirlwind. Two characters that couldn’t be any more opposite if they tried. Everything about this story kept me engaged and glued to my reader. I would love for Jay to write a series centered around the Sons of Sorrow club!! Get ready for a ride that will leave you waiting for one more trip to Loveless, Texas!!