Justify

Vigilante Justice #3

by Kristin Harte, Ellis Leigh

The third book in the Vigilante Justice series proves opposites attract...and cause lots of trouble.

He’s wanted her since he first saw her
A storm is coming to Justice, but not the type that requires weather reports. Katie Baker has come back home to open a restaurant and has stolen my heart along the way. There’s just two problems—the woman gets too nervous around me to give me a chance to talk to her, and someone’s out to kill her. Neither is ideal, and both are getting in my way. But I’m going to take care of her in every way I can, even if she ends up hating me for it.

She’s got a secret that could get them all killed
My new restaurant is rocking, my return home has been smooth, and the secrets I left behind in Denver have yet to catch up to me. There’s just one problem, and his name is Gage Shepherd. Big, brutal, rough around the edges—the mountain man of Kennard Mills makes me feel things I’m not ready for. Things that incite more fear than I can handle. But when he’s the one to jump in after my newly reclaimed world crumbles, I have to figure out how to be brave or risk losing him forever.

Secrets can only stay hidden so long. When the time comes to admit my mistakes, Gage might walk away…or find himself six feet under.

Genres: Romantic Suspense

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2018

About the author

Kristin Harte started off as a chemistry major in college but somehow ended up writing romances featuring ex-military heroes and the women who knock them to their knees…literally and figuratively. She likes drinking in the shade, snuggling under a warm blanket on a cold evening, and researching how to blow things up. Her children know nothing of what she writes, and her husband just hopes he’s not at their Chicago-ish home the day the government shows up to confront Kristin about her Google search history.

When not writing good men doing bad things, Kristin can be found writing paranormal romance as Ellis Leigh or co-writing naughty novellas as London Hale.

★ The Vigilante Justice series kicks off January 25th. Jessica from OMG Reads says "This is one you're gonna want to put on your radar #TRUST"

★ Never miss a single release! Sign up for Kristin Harte's newsletter for all the latest from Justice, Colorado. www.kristinharte.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Coco.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars - This series has me hooked!

Justify is the third installment of the Vigilante Justice Series and I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I did the other two. Packed with thrills, suspense and action, this was a real page-turner. One of those books that just got progressively better with each sentence, page, and chapter. The story is very well-written and plotted and very easy to follow. Katie and Gage make the pages burn. The chemistry between them was off-the-charts and the intimate scenes were very hot and sensual. I love the way this author writes these stories - the speed is fabulous, and they quickly pull you in. The characters in this series have depth and they constantly grow and change. This book was an amazing read from start to finish and I can't wait for the next one.

[Judy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY RIVETING!!!
Title: Justify
Series: Vigilante Justice
Author: Kristen Harte (Ellis Leigh)
Designation: Book 3 of Series, Full-Length Novel(Approx 230 pages), *Not Recommended As Standalone, HFN #contemporary #romanticsuspense #militaryromance #sexyalphaheroes #smalltownromance #vigilantejustice
My Rating: Five Sinfully Sexy Stars*****
*This is romantic suspense and NOT suspense lightly sprinkled with romance. The primary focus of each story is romance with suspense as the skillfully balanced secondary component. Although the author includes ample backstory and each book features a different couple, there is an underlying interconnected conflict which is resolved as the series progress. For maximum reading enjoyment and to avoid spoilers, I highly recommend reading the books sequentially. It's one decision I'm sure you'll never regret.

Oh my! I loved, loved, loved Justify, the highly anticipated third release of Kristan Harte's compelling Vigilante Justice series. And it's official, I'm still hopelessly hooked! The Vigilante Justice series may be the launch of Harte's career in the contemporary romantic suspense genre, but this isn't her first rodeo. For readers who may not be aware, Kristin Harte is the alter ego of USA Today bestselling paranormal romance author Ellis Leigh and half of the contemporary romance dynamic duo known as London Hale. It's no big secret and neither is the fact that I'm a huge fan and have followed her career for years. I'm a hopeless romance junkie who can't resist a good tearjerker, and romantic suspense is my all-time favorite contemporary subgenre, but I'm also somewhat of a rom-spense snob, meaning I'm pretty darn selective with the authors I choose to read. I'm passionate about quite a few things, but two that top my list, only surpassed by family, are good food and great books. When it comes to food, I'm very much a meat and potatoes kind of girl which, surprisingly, also applies to my choice in literature, meaning I enjoy reading something I can really sink my teeth into, the kind of book that satisfies all my cravings - danger, drama, action, adventure, angst, mystery, suspense, humor, passion, and romance but most importantly, it must be well written with creative storyarcs, intriguing conflicts, and engaging characters. If you've read any of Harte's previous work, you may already know that she's is a gifted storyteller and skilled wordslinger who excels at creating sensual storylines set in vividly depicted worlds populated with larger-than-life characters, and heroes who always walk a very narrow line between right and wrong, and that certainly holds true in both her paranormal and contemporary works. But one thing you may not know is each and every story contains a piece of her heart and soul. It's not something she claims or takes credit for, but it is something you can feel when you've read as many of her books as I have, and I've read them all - every single one. Am I biased because I'm a fan? Maybe, but I'm also honest. I purchase her books with my own hard earned money and would never be anything other than truthful in my reviews. Everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinion and this is mine, completely unsolicited. Already being familiar with Harte's work, both as Ellis Leigh and London Hale, my expectations were high and once again, Harte didn't disappoint. She not only met them, she surpassed them and delivered it all in Justify. But folks, this ain't yo mama's secret stash of romance - it's waayyy HOTTER with a heaping helping of steam and a whole lot more of the feels! It's romantic suspense on steroids, but to tone it down and put it simply, Justify is a heartachingly beautiful love story you won't be able to stop reading until you reach the final page, and most certainly one that will be remembered long after the final word is read. I snickered, snorted, sniffled, snuffled, sighed, sobbed, and screamed in anger through the entire story and LOVED every single second! I was a complete basket case by the time I finished.! lol... But all jokes aside, Kristin Harte totally ripped my heart right out of my chest with this one! This entire series is pure crack for romantic suspense addicts! If you read Payback, the first two books of the Vigilante Justice series and fell in love with Alder and Bishop Kennard, then Bishop's best friend, Gage Shepherd, will make your little ole heart flutter! And oh my, if you thought Alder and Bishop were silver tongue devils, just wait until you hear Gage! *swoon* But, as usual, I digress when talking about the books and authors I love, so let's talk details!

Justify is a riveting, edgy, fast-paced, somewhat dark, standalone novel filled to the brim with pulse-pounding danger, edge-of-your-seat adventure, heart-pounding action, spine-tingling suspense, heart-wrenching angst, intense drama, explosive passion, tug-at-your-heartstrings romance, and, of course, steamy dreamy sex. After all, this is a Kristin Harte/Ellis Leigh story and anyone who has read her work in the past already knows Leigh pens some of the dirtiest talking alpha heroes and the dreamiest sex scenes ever! The narrative is beautifully written in the first person with clearly defined his and her perspectives. The dialogue is smart, snappy, gritty, sometimes humorous, exceptionally well executed, and flows effortlessly. Harte/Leigh's stories move at lightning speeds yet are always comfortable and easy to follow with no unnecessary fluff or filler. But without a doubt, my favorite element of every Harte/Leigh story is the cast of intriguing characters. Don't get me wrong; I think all the components of a book are important: setting, plot, conflict, resolution, along with overall craftsmanship including title, cover, formatting, execution, and editing, but without engaging, relatable protagonists complemented by a cast of entertaining ensemble players, there is no story. In my humble opinion, Kristin Harte/Ellis Leigh writes the most unapologetically protective, possessive, passionate, and fearless heroes and heroines I've ever read. And Gage Shepherd and Katie Baker are no exception! If you were smitten with either of the heroes in the first two books, you will adore Bishop's best friend and former navy Seal teammate, Gage Shepherd. The premise for the Vigilante Justice Series is based upon the Kennard family, a tightknit group of four brothers, Alder, Bishop, twins Finn and Elijah, and one sister Lainie, from the fictional town of Justice, Colorado, but also includes their friends and members of their tight-knit group of protectors. And let's not forget about Rex, Gage's canine partner! Rex may be a mixed breed, but he's a real sweetheart as well as an extremely intelligent, loyal mutt! My kind of dog! I think Rex has as many admirers as Gage. lol... Who doesn't love a story with a loyal pet as one of the characters? In Justify, the two protagonists of our story are Gage Shepherd and Katie Baker. Gage is a former Navy Seal and current head machinery mechanic for Kennard Mills who came to Justice to work with his best friend and former Seal teammate, Bishop Kennard. Katie is a trained chef and now the hardworking owner of the new restaurant in town, The Baker's Cottage. She grew up in Justice and has recently moved back from Denver after her mother's death. The chemistry between these two characters is hotter than anything Katie cooks up in her kitchen but it's been a smoldering slow burn - until now. But when Gage and Katie finally succumb to the inevitable, it's like two stars going supernova. It's a beautiful thing to witness. I fell in love with Gage and his dog Rex when they were introduced in Payback, the first book of the series. Gage is not your typical hero. He's not the charming, smooth operator like his friends. He's a brawny, gruff, rugged, and sometimes savage mountain man with long hair, wild beard, and body covered in tatts, but don't let his exterior appearance fool you; he's also intelligent, hardworking, brave, selfless, kind, and loyal to a fault. He's what my dad used to call a man's man! Who in the world can resist a hero with all those qualities? Not me! lol... And what do I even say about Katie, or should I say Princess which is Gage's pet name for our spunky, hardworking, curvaceous heroine? I related to Katie's character on so many levels and one in particular since I also love to cook for the people I care about. Gage and Katie are both flawed characters with secrets but both have hearts of gold and a passion for the other that's so combustible, it literally explodes from the pages. I've loved the other couples in the series, but Gage and Katie made me believe in the possibility of love for everyone, if only you're willing to look for what's buried beneath the exterior projected to the world.

Did I like this story? No, I LOVED it! I was glued to my seat from the first page to the last, completely captivated, white-knuckling my reader with my heart fluttering wildly in my chest as the pages flew as quickly as the time, and adored every single minute! Would I recommend it? You bet, and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain explicit language, violence, and sex. Gage Shepherd may NOT be a silver-tongued devil, but when he finally does say something, it's worth the wait and he definitely knows how to talk sweet and dirty to his woman! *swoon* And FYI, this is not erotica but it does contain explicit language and sex scenes that could be described as erotic. Harte/Leigh writes some of the steamiest and most emotionally beautiful love scenes ever! Although this book does NOT end with a cliffhanger per se, there is an underlying interconnected conflict that will be resolved as the series progresses, therefore to enrich your reading experience and avoid spoilers, I highly recommend reading the books sequentially. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! Just as soon as she releases her next book! I've already preordered the fourth book of the series, Reparation, which releases June 26, 2018. And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read! Well done, Kristin Harte! Well done, indeed!

Former Navy Seal and current head heavy machinery mechanic Gage Shepherd has had his eye on the lovely, little Katie Baker for months, well, since she moved back to Justice to open her new restaurant, The Baker's Cottage. He's wanted her so much it hurt - literally, and he's willing to do just about anything to have her, including cutting his hair, trimming his beard, and toning down the whole savage mountain man look he has going on. If that's what it takes to appear a little less intimidating, he'll be happy to clean up his act. He couldn't really do anything about all his tattoos, but women liked that sort of thing, right? Maybe, because Katie doesn't seem to mind him hanging out in her kitchen. Now, if he could only find the courage to tell her how he feels, and isn't that a real kick in the pants - him, a former Navy Seal who'd killed men with his bare hands yet couldn't find the courage to piece together a whole sentence in her presence, and he certainly couldn't tell her what was really on his mind, the things he wanted to do to her curvaceous little body. A guy like him doesn't deserve a sweet woman like Katie, but that wouldn't stop him from trying to make her his. He'd just take his time and try not to scare her away, though maybe not three years like it'd taken Alder to close the deal with Shye. But all Gage's good intentions fly right out the window when the Soul Suckers MC make his little Katie their target. He'll do anything to keep Katie safe, even fight the devil himself... and he may have to do just that. But what happens if this devil is wearing a badge? Who will live and who will die when the courageous men of Justice once again match brains and brawn against evil? We'll see!

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gage Sheperd, the quiet SEAL who’s attached at the hip to his canine Rex, takes it upon himself to guard Katie Baker at The Baker’s Cottage restaurant. Granted, Gage has had a huuuuge crush on Katie for months, and wouldn’t let anyone else watch over her and keep her safe. Especially when her uncle, the corrupt sheriff on Justice, is suspected of having ties to the Soul Suckers.

Katie Baker finds herself mumbling and running her mouth in the most hilarious way whenever she’s around Gage. A sure sign she’s nervous and excited. She’s also been secretly lusting over him. Katie has also been hiding a secret that could have devastating impact on her future, especially if she’s not sharing it with anyone; some things shouldn’t stay buried, not from the people who care the deepest about them.

After a touch and go incident in her restaurant, Katie is whisked away by Gage to his cabin in the woods, but a surprise is threatening to tear them apart.

I loved the fierce love Gage shows Katie. His filthy mouth is nothing to shy away from, either. Their growing attraction and clear passion for each other is beautifully weaved into this action packed little novella that is pretty much sealing this story.

However, I feel there are some loose ends left to tie, and I have a feeling, or I hope, a certain single mother will be involved.

4.5 stars

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore these books by Kristin and I was a little stuck for what I wanted to read which is why I decided to read another one of these books as I just know when I read these I love them, I adored Gage’s and Katie relationship throughout this and as always it ends so perfectly. There was so many twists and turns in this book which I didn’t expect but that definitely kept me drawn to the story. I just love this world so much and love being part of it - I enjoyed this so much I can’t wait to read the 4th book in the series.

[Gloria Nuckols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountain ma Gage and Sweet Katie such complete opposites, yet they fit together like PB&J. She finally gets justice for what happened so many years ago, but will the deception ruin the thin line of trust between them that has been growing slowly. One thing is for sure there isn't a more loyal duo than Gage and Rex. All Katie needs to do is find it in her heart to open her eyes and forgive unintended mistakes, can she do it? Check it out and see. I just adored these 3.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply fell in love with this book. This whole series has been so amazing. Gage and Katie hold a special place in my heart. I haven't read such a good series in a very long time. The pace of this book is perfect. All of characters are so well fleshed out you can almost picture them in front of you. Don't miss out. Read this now!

[Maraea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, just feel like the moment was lost when he jumped from being obsessed with her, to rescuer and then going down on her... Wasn't as swoony as the others. Still action packed though and I love the friendships

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two are phenooooooooooomenal and you guys are gonna LOVE Katie :)

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good, fast paced, suspenseful book in the Justice series I have a sweet spot for Gage & Rex & I’m so glad that he & Katie we’re able to find each other.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really been enjoying this series, but I think this one may be my favorite. Gage is an irresistible hero.

[Lolita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!

[Ingrid Stephanie Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Justify  
Series: Vigilante Justice #3
Release Date: #AlreadyReleased
Author: Kristin Harte
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan 
Serial: Standalone, No Cliffhanger  
Genre: #Contempary #Suspence  
#5Stars🌟⭐🌟🌟🌟
••••••••••••••
💢Geezzzz Louise wait its Geezzz Kristin what a PHENOMENAL read. This Lady Rocks!!! I didn't think Ms. Kristin could beat book #1 with Alder but book #2 with Bishop sure as haney did and now Book #3 Gage is absolutely on fire. Definitely a Must Read!

🔥Introduction to Vigilante Justice🔥
The Kennards go back for centuries always taking care of the people, keeping them safe in little pint size town of Justice, Colorado. The Kennard's were the law even if the lazy crooked sheriff thought otherwise. Alder and his friend Deacon (who owned The Jury Room) served together in the Army's Green Beret's Special Forces. While Alder's brother Bishop and friend Gage (who was always with his K-9 Rex) were in the Navy Seals, plus Camden was Marines anyone who was smart enough knew better than to screw with any of them. Even Finn though selected a different path.

📍Get your tissues ready... I'm at an Italian Restaurant eating and reading... Yep I made a spectacle of myself.... Now I'm Eating, Reading and Crying... Waitress brought me napkins... Wow intense!!!

🔹️Katherine Renee Baker aka: Katie is the a Chef who now owens "The Baker’s Cottage" in Justice, Colorado. Which was everything she had ever wanted and boy could she cook.

🔹️Gage Shepherd was a Seal with his trusty dog Rex. He works for the Kennard's as Head of the Heavy Machinery Mechanic for Kennard Mills, big rugged lumber men. Everyday after work he would rush home then to the little town of Justice to eat at The Baker's Cottage just so he could watch the hot owner Katie. Thank god he was there one night to help protect Katie from the Soul Suckers. Can he keep her safe?

💥I have voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my own and honest.

[ZETTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Guardian!!!

Gage Shepherd, a former SEAL teammate of Bishop Kennard ( RETALIATE ) and heavy machinery machanic at Kennard Mills. He has been in love with Katie Baker since the first time he saw her. She left town now she was back in Justice to open a restaurant.

She always got shy whenever he was around so how could he talk to the beautiful woman who'd stolen his heart away.

Katie Baker, owner of the new restaurant in Justice. She had secrets that she left in Denver but they eventually caught up with her. The sexy as sin man by the name of Gage Shepherd made her feel things she never felt before and that scared her.

When she found herself in danger, he was there to catch her as her world exploded. Her uncle was in bed with the Soul Suckers which everyone already knew. She shared some tidbits with Gage that make him hate her "uncle" even more.

When all hell broke loose again Gage made sure no harm came to his beloved on his watch. The fiend once again underestimated him, the Kennards and Deacon.

It's always a pleasure to catch up with previous characters and meet new ones. Love the sisterly bond that Katie and Shye ( PAYBACK )share.

JUSTIFY is the third installment in Kristin Harte's VIGILANTE JUSTICE series. It was fast-paced, breathtakingly alluring, fascinating and a must read. Give this baby a try, you won't regret it. Marvelous job by Kristin Harte!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gage & Katie

This is the 3rd book in the Vigilante Justice series and I couldn’t put it down. Katie is the owner/ chef of a newly opened restaurant that has come home to Justice where she feels safest. But, the MC gang that has plagued the town since book one (the Soul Suckers) is after her now too although the reason why is not clear at first. Gage, former Navy Seal, best friend to Bishop Kennard and heavy machinist for Kennard Mills, has had it bad for Katie ever since he first saw her. He even makes it to her restaurant for at least one meal a day just to see her. But, his gruff exterior does not seem to win him any points with her. Or does it? When Katie finds herself in danger Gage is the only protector she wants, but is he up for the job? He will make it his mission to protect her, with some help from his “brothers,” or die trying. Check out this scorching hot book and find out if this couple get their HEA and if the Soul Suckers get what they’ve been gunning for!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy Man = Sexy Read!

Fair warning - this book is HOT. Gage is a take no prisoner, Alpha to an extreme, blunt talking kind of man. I don’t think poor Katie stood a chance against that type of charm. Lovin the town of Justice and it’s men, can’t get enough of them. Your gonna love where they hid a body in this one. Highly recommend if you love ex military men who take care of their own.

[Lindarhc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gage and his dog Rex go everywhere together and when someone new comes back to town he can’t stop thinking of her. Katie has come back and with Alders help opens The Bakers Kitchen. Gage takes it upon himself to guard Katie and her kitchen. Then one night trouble comes in the form of three members of the biker gang. Gage is there to help out and tell Katie to hide and phone people on his phone to help. I’m not going to spoil this only to say you will not be disappointed

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot diggity dog

Gage and Katie started off swinging and hot. I'm so happy they got together. This book had so many twist and turns but nobody comes between Gage and Katie. It even the no good sheriff or some stinky Soul Sucker MC. Unless your Rex the dog. This story moved fast. No scimming.

[Virginia Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so good can't wait to start the next book. From start to finish it heals your attention and you can't put it down.

This series is so good can't wait to read the next book. From start to finish it grabs your attention.

[Margarette Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ Star's

I would recommend this series to anyone that enjoys stories that are funny, steamy, suspenseful, and romantic with justice for those violently wronged.

[Leslie Lofgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!

Love the way the books follow a group that take care of each other no matter what. Just started book 4 can’t wait to finish the series.