Released On: January 19, 2014
Used
by Lynetta Halat
Book 1 of the Unlovable Series
4 stars
This has been a very interesting read for me. Did I love the story? Not particularly, no. But I do recognize very good writing when I find it!
I don't know how to describe the three main characters in this book: Denver, Greer and Ransom. There are times that I like them, but most of the time I just want to punch their lights out. Each of them did things that infuriated and dismayed me. Later on though I'd feel quite sorry for them and sympathize with them. I'm giving the credit entirely to Lynetta Halat. She has the ability to make you both like and dislike a character.
Denver had her own strengths, but I think they also became her downfall. She can block out her emotions and channel her energies into an entirely different direction if one aspect of her life is becoming too dangerous or too much to handle. She's not entirely horrible though. I love how she defends herself against bitchy, gossiping girls. She's an excellent barrel racer, generous in giving riding tips to her competition, and contrary to common belief she doesn't sleep around. One of the few things I agreed with her is her realization that she's bringing her best friend down and damaging him, practically using him to drown out her problems.
"You're my chicken."
I roll my eyes and shake my head at him. "That's sweet, Greer. But I'm still not crazy about it."
His eyes turn serious and capture mine. "And it's been my secret way of saying 'I love you' ever since we were eight years old."
Greer is, oh gosh, such a sweetheart. It's like he dedicated his life to being Denver's best friend, companion, defender, protector. But he's also a contradiction. Underneath all his sweetness and undying devotion is a tendency to focus so much on his own wants and his perceived wants of other people, he doesn't realize he's already doing something out of line.
Ransom is a jackass. Really, he is! On the other hand, he also has good qualities that suits Denver and the general situation the three are in. He has strong protective instincts, he keeps his sometimes-out-of-control cousin Austin (he's such a riot, I love him!) in line, he cares for his mom, and he gives it his all in his sport (bullriding).
It's so difficult to say more because I don't want to spoil you guys! Like I said, I didn't really enjoy the story in the sense that I frowned and got annoyed a lot more than I smiled while reading it. The story did make me think even days afterwards. I could write an entire reflection paper on it, honestly! LOL, but here are some of my thoughts that I'd like to share with you:
- Sometimes there simply is no black and white. We can't permanently classify people, actions or events under "good" and "bad".
- We have a tendency to downplay the faults of the ones we love. And when they commit a huge mistake towards us, we still don't want them to hurt. That's love.
I really like how Lynetta Halat approached the subjects of volatile, abusive relationships, rape, and D/S. The first was never mentioned but if you look closely at the actions of one character, you can see how abusive relationships can begin. Rape is a much more delicate subject here. I love that Used emphasizes the importance of consent, and what it means when it's not given. D/S are introduced subtly as well. There were specific lines and trains of thought that lit a lightbulb in my head, making me go, aha! This one's manifesting dominant/submissive tendencies.
The author's writing skill is undeniable, and just because it didn't like how the story went, I couldn't get myself to give it a 3 or even a 3.5 rating. The synopsis tells us the overarching conflict involving Denver: that she is a slut, that she uses Greer, and that she is the one for whom Ransom would change his rules for. It has so much more to give though. This is a meaty book! No page was wasted. Although I got a little dizzy with the back-and-forth from past to present, the narration was very smooth. I appreciated that the author took time to explain Denver and Greer as individual characters, and their relationship as best friends and soul mates. Because I really believe that they are that: soul mates, no matter what happened. :)
Used will make you think about a lot of things. It's not a very light read, nor is it too heavy to the point of depressing. It doesn't end in a cliffhanger but it will make you look forward to the next one in the series!
"I love you, chicken. I'm not going down without a fight."
"My Golden Boy."
"Little fighter."
"I've fallen for him. And I've never fallen for anyone like this."
Buy links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CAN
Synopsis:
I am a slut. No worries. I've come to terms with it, and you will too. I’m not one of those girls who thinks she’s too plain, too fat, too skinny, too shy … no, I don’t have that kind of luck. I’m the girl who knows she’s just right for everyone.— Denver
A reputation as Montana State’s favorite manwhore–with–a–heart–of–gold tends to precede me. But, I don’t do girls with issues, that is until this girl. It's this girl I want to fix. This girl I want to protect. And maybe … more. — Ransom
Being in love with the same girl your entire life isn't all it's cracked up to be. She uses me in every way imaginable. How does she see me? I am her perpetual one-night stand. No strings, no attachments. Just mind-numbing sex ... for her anyway. — Greer
Feeling like the life is being choked out of her in the small town of Anaconda, Montana, Denver Dempsey craves the escape that college offers … even if that means leaving her “best friend with benefits” and looking for a new way to forget. Thinking she's found the perfect hookup in Ransom, Denver's outlook on college is bright. That is, until Greer shows up looking for a second chance, and Ransom's interest turns to hatred.
Love. Hate. Triangle.
Who's using who?
Giveaway!
About the Author:
Since the dawn of time, Lynetta Halat has lived to read and has written innumerable stories and plays. A lover of good books, bad boys, and kickass tunes, she'd always dreamt of penning books that people could connect with and remember. She also has a secret penchant for wringing the emotions out of unsuspecting readers, and she collects reader's tears in much the same way that wine connoisseurs collect their favorite vintage.
Her first novel, Every Rose, was the perfect catalyst to launch her into the world of publishing, effectively burrowing her way into the hearts and minds of readers throughout the world. Everything I've Never Had was her follow-up adult romance novel. Now, she has penned Used, a New Adult Romance that she hopes sinks its teeth into you and doesn't let go.
Her love of the English language prompted her to pursue a Master's degree in English from Old Dominion University in Virginia, where she also minored in snark and interpretive dance. She lives somewhere along the Mississippi Gulf Coast with her adorable husband, two amazing sons, and two loveable dogs. When she's not writing riveting stories, she likes to focus on her macramé art and her scouring of eBay, where she buys locks of hair from her favorite rock stars, most especially Bret Michaels and Dave Grohl.
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