Review Tour: Justified: Jay Crownover
JUSTIFIED
Jay Crownover
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Release date June 25, 2019
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series comes an irresistible and thrilling romance between a rugged Texas sheriff and 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.
Includes a bonus story: “It’s All About That Cowboy” by Carly Bloom!
Aspen Barlow once had a teenage crush on him, but they later become bitter enemies when she represented his ex wife in court and lost him custody of his son for years. But now she is a woman in danger, and he is the only one she can really turn to. Someone seems to have a vendetta against her and they are coming at her full force. And Case has to take his job seriously to keep her safe and figure out who is out to get her. And along the way, they have to face their past, some secrets, and their undeniable chemistry. Sometimes things are not always as they seem, especially in this small town.
And at some point it becomes even more important to protect her so he does not lose her.
This is a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers that has danger, suspense, mystery, and steam. It is told in dual points of view. There are plenty of possible suspects, action, and hidden agendas. I will admit I did figure it out faster than Case did, but there was plenty of suspense and drama.
I enjoy the setting in Loveless and am looking forward to sister, Kody having a story. She is awesome and loves to snap back at her brothers. There seem to be two men in her periphery that could be her match.
This is a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers that has danger, suspense, mystery, and steam. It is told in dual points of view. There are plenty of possible suspects, action, and hidden agendas. I will admit I did figure it out faster than Case did, but there was plenty of suspense and drama.
I enjoy the setting in Loveless and am looking forward to sister, Kody having a story. She is awesome and loves to snap back at her brothers. There seem to be two men in her periphery that could be her match.
Case Lawton is the oldest brother of the Lawton crew and the town sheriff. Following in his father’s footsteps has not been easy, especially as he has worked to distance himself from his father’s corrupt ways. His entire world revolves around his son, his family, and his town.
Aspen Barlow was the lawyer who helped his ex-wife gain custody of their son, but now she needs his help. As hard as he tries to remember he hates Aspen, he can’t help but think maybe he pegged her wrongly all those years ago.
These two have chemistry. Aspen had a crush on him as they were growing up, but the bad blood that was spilled during Case’s divorce left them closer to enemies than friends, if they even acknowledged the other. Case focused all his anger at losing time with his son at the lawyer responsible, not realizing there was more to the story than he realized.
I had so much fun reading Case and Aspen’s story. The element of suspense throughout kept me guessing and waiting for Case to figure it out once I thought I had it. This element was also the perfect reason for Case and Aspent to have to spend more than passing time with each other in order for Case to learn what was really going on during the divorce proceedings. He thought he hated this woman, but as it turns out, there is only a small distance from hate to love.
I met the Lawton family in Unbroken and fell in love with these three siblings living in the shadow of their past. I can’t wait for Kodi’s story. As the only girl in the family, I’m guessing she had a slightly different view of things than her brothers did. But I also loved returning to this town. Granted, most of Unbroken takes place away from Loveless, but as this is the place the formed the Lawton kids into the adults they are now, it was great to return and see what Case has done with the place since taking over as sheriff.
Welcome to Loveless, Texas, ladies and gents. After such an all to short visit with Crew, it's good to be back visiting with his older brother, Case.
At first, I was not fond of Case Lawton. I thought he was a jackass. However, he quickly grew on me. Like his brother, I loved his heart of gold and his love for his family, especially his son. But man can this dude hold a grudge. I grew a bit tired of his decade long hatred of Aspen. I get why he was so angry, and hate filled, but I wanted to clobber him a time or two and scream at him to grow the hell up. His 17-year-old son had more maturity than he did sometimes. With that said, he did turn out to be quite the catch. He was dedicated, loyal, protective, possessive, a bit alpha, and a great father. Not to mention, a time or two quite swoon worthy. All the things you would look for in a great book boyfriend.
Aspen was a fun character. Our girl didn't have the easiest life, but she didn't let that rule her and bring her down. Her strength was quite admirable. She was witty, fierce, and quite sassy. The perfect match for Case. Her pining got on my nerves a bit, but I think that's more to do with the book funk I'm in. Lately the littlest things have been irking the crap out of me. And unfortunately, that ended up being one of the little things. Outside of that, I really adored her. I especially loved that she didn't take Case's shit. Or anyone's for that matter. No doormat here. A huge added plus.
Together these two were a ticking time bomb, in and out of the bedroom. All those heated, conflicting thoughts and feelings between them definitely played a key factor in keeping me turning the pages. I quickly became addicted to their interactions. Their chemistry was engaging and hot. And as much as they could drive me bonkers, I wanted them to find that coveted HEA. I rooted for them even when Chase was being a dick. Thankfully, he got over that.
I enjoyed the whole who done it plot line. It added a bit of suspense to the whole romantic, enemies to lovers, drama unfolding. I'm excited to say, I did not see the ending twist coming. Yay!! I love when I think I have a book all figured out and it takes me by surprise. But then it is a Crownover book so I should have known better.
I would definitely recommend this quick, entertaining, low angst read from Ms. Crownover.
Now I get to sit back and anxiously await Kody's book. She's my favorite Lawton and I'm wicked excited for her story. I just know her brothers are going to lose their minds. Just the thought as me giggling just thinking about it. On a side note, I'm really wanting her with Shot but thinking with all the tension pouring from her and Hill he will be her leading man.
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Our reviews
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series comes a captivating novella about a rugged rodeo star who will do anything to protect the people he loves.
When rodeo star Crew Lawton loses everything in a bad bet, he has no choice but to take a new job to pay off his debts – even if it means becoming the face of an expensive male skincare line. Crew is used to getting sweaty and rustling in the dirt, not posing for photo shoots. And he’s certainly not used to being bossed around by a woman who doesn’t even know the difference between bulls and broncs. But Crew owes money to dangerous criminals, and he’ll do anything Della says in order to pay them back and keep them far away from his family in Loveless, Texas…
The launch of her new men’s line for her family’s company means everything to Della Deveaux, and she’s not willing to let some rugged, arrogant cowboy ruin her campaign. Crew Lawton is the last man she would have chosen to represent her chic, sophisticated brand. Unfortunately, her father already invested millions in Crew’s stupidly handsome face. Yet the more time they spend together, Della and Crew realize that opposites do attract. But when the time comes for Crew to face his past mistakes, will he be able to protect his family…and the woman he’s come to love?
Jay Crownover
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, the Breaking Point series, the Getaway series, and the Loveless, Texas series. Her books can be found 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.
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