Unforgiven: Includes a bonus novella

Jay Crownover

Feb 2020 · Sold by Forever

About this ebook

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series comes an irresistible and suspenseful romance between a tough Texas Ranger and his first love--a woman in danger who insists she doesn't need his protection.
Hill Gamble is a model lawman: cool and collected, with a confident swagger to boot. Too bad all that Texas charm hasn't gotten him anywhere in his personal life, especially since the only girl he ever loved has always been off-limits. But then Hill is assigned to investigate her father's mysterious death, and he's forced back to the town--and the woman--he left behind.
When Hill left Loveless, he broke Kody Lawton's already battered heart. And now that he's working on her father's case, avoiding him is impossible. She can handle Hill and her unwanted feelings--until he puts his life on the line to protect her. Suddenly, Kody realizes that Hill could be taken away from her...for good.
"Crownover delivers the goods."-Lori Wilde, 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
Includes the bonus novella Cowboy to the Rescue by A.J. Pine!

Ratings and reviews

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review** I am a big fan of Jay Crownover and I've been waiting for this book since the end of Justified. This one was definitely worth the wait! While Hill Gamble grew up in Loveless, it's the last place he wants to be. He took off when he had the opportunity and has made his way by becoming a Texas Ranger. In a twist, he's found himself back in his hometown and helping with the murder investigation of one of his best friends father's. Oh and I should also mention that the sister of said best friend is the one who has had his heart all along even though she was previously involved with his brother. While they were close for many years, Hill found himself needing space in order to heal his heart. Kody Lawton is not new to loss and this latest loss, the murder of her father, just compounds losing her mother and her boyfriend. When she finds out that Hill is back in town helping with the investigation, she wants to stay as far away from him as she can. When he shut her out, he hurt her more than he could ever know and she's not ready to deal with him. Knowing she doesn't have a choice, she finally agrees to see the law man in the best interest of the investigation, but with this also start to thaw things between them or maybe I should say heat them up?! Crownover does an amazing job with telling a compelling and complex story, while giving us the romance we hope for with Hill and Kody. There were twists and turns in this story that I was not expecting and it certainly sets us up for some very, very interesting things to come! Kody was a strong-willed, independent to a fault, woman who did have her soft spots here and there, whereas Hill was as swoonworthy and protective as they come. This was another fantastic visit to Loveless and I can't wait to come back!

3 stars — Well…this one didn’t work as well for me as Crew and Case’s romances. I honestly found myself skimming the sex scenes for the last half of the book. I think it really could have been edited down a bit and then the pacing would have worked better. I also had a hard time connecting with Kody. I kind of knew that might be the case going in — I wasn’t that intrigued by her in the first 2 books. She’s very volatile, makes crazy decisions, and she takes out her anger on the ones she loves. I know some people like that, and it’s something that really annoys me about those people, so I was never going to be on Kody’s side for that. I’m also a super good girl, so I’m never going to be excited about all the illegal type decisions that Kody was making…the reasons didn’t seem good enough for me. Hill was pretty sweet…but he was also kind of a doormat when it came to Kody. There were times I kept wondering what it was about Kody that he fell in love with, and then I’d have to remember that they had all these deep conversations in the past that the reader wasn’t privy to. That really didn’t help me feel the connection between them. And other than the way he was with Kody, I’m not sure I really knew a whole lot else about him. And I guess you can tell since I skimmed that I wasn’t really feeling the chemistry between the two of them. The emotional connection felt a bit forced, and I need that to get into the steamy scenes. I just couldn’t wrap my head around the two of them together. The suspense/mystery was interesting — though I was hella surprised when it wasn’t resolved. Didn’t see the next book coming. I’m more interested in those characters, but I’m not sure enough to keep going in this series. I enjoyed the previous books, but not enough to be blown away and clamouring for more, you know? So yeah. Characters are my bread and butter, and I just couldn’t connect with these two (though mostly Kody). Ah well.

ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars received from NetGalley and Forever Unforgiven is book 2 in the Loveless, Texas series by Jay Crownover, a new to me author and will definitely be reading more of her books and this series! Hill Gamble, Texas Ranger has come back to Lovelace, Texas to investigate the death of the town’s corrupt sheriff and father of the woman he fell in love with years ago except she fell in love with his younger brother Aaron who had lots of issues and has passed away. Kody Lawton fell in love with Hill and his younger brother Aaron but when push came to shove she chose the younger brother. Hill backed off and left town but now he’s back to investigate her dad‘s death and all the old feelings arise again but can she open her heart, leave the past behind and let her love shine through… Suspense, tragedy, anger, longing, mystery and a love everlasting are just some of the things you will find in 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