Book Review: Justified (Loveless, Texas #1) by Jay Crownover

This story was awesome. Right from the start, I was pulled in! It was one of those books that I picked up and pretty much didn't put back down until it was over because I was so hooked. Fantastic read!

Justified (Loveless, Texas #1) by Jay Crownover

The New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series delivers a 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.

5 out of 5 stars

Enemies to lovers is one of my all-time favorite tropes and this one was fantastic. I devoured it! I loved the characters, their fiery barbs and underlying passion. There is a wonderful suspense element that was happening and I loved the build to it all.

The prologue had me so hooked with all the tension and emotion, I was all in. I loved Aspen and how tough she was, standing up for herself and what she wants, fighting to stay strong in the middle of a very hard situation. I freaking loved Case, understood why he didn't like Aspen and admired how hard he worked to be a better man. These two together, oh my! I loved learning their history, understanding that fight in them and the simmering passion that was building between the two as the story evolved. It was all just so exciting!

I loved all the characters introduced and the foreshadowing for what I hope will be the next couple featured in the series. That tension between the Case’s sister Kody and his best friend was palpable. The Lawton siblings are great. I loved the relationship Kody formed with Aspen. It was just so well thought out with all these great details, I was hooked.

I loved the romantic suspense vibe happening and had a million questions throughout. Some things I didn't see coming, which is always awesome. There was a good amount of drama, an awesome action-packed ending, and a totally sweet epilogue too.

This was just fantastic. The writing is wonderful. I can't say enough about the build as all the histories were learned and details unfolded. I loved the secrets, the element of mystery, the tension, and this animosity and fight between the main characters. It was exciting and passionate!

Complimentary copy received for honest review.