Used

Unlovable #1

by Lynetta Halat

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 a 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?

Intended for mature audiences only. Contains subject matter that may be sensitive to some.

Genres: New Adult, Romance, College, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Abuse, Westerns

275 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2014

About the author

For as long as she can remember, Lynetta Halat has lived to read and has written countless stories and plays since she was a young girl. A teacher by day and an avid reader and closet writer by night, she has always dreamt of penning books that people could connect with and remember; and her first novel, Every Rose, is the perfect catalyst to launch her into the world of publishing. Her love of the English language prompted her to pursue a master's degree in English from Old Dominion University in Virginia. A self-proclaimed “Coast Girl,” she lives in Mississippi with her adorable husband, two amazing sons, and two loveable dogs. She is currently at work on her second book.

Reviews

[Alexis *Reality Bites* · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
3.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: New Adult Romance
FULL REVIEW POSTED on 1-24-14




Denver Dempsey is happy to leave behind her hometown of Anaconda, Montana. After all being seen as the high school slut is no fun and being listed as a cast out for it is even worse.




To say that she could not handle it is an understatement she usually solved issues with her fist. Maybe I should say she defended herself with her fist, yeah, that’s more accurate. Backing her every step of the way is Greer, her best friend. The guy she also leaves behind after high school when she goes off to college.

“I’m giving you as much of myself as I’m able to, Greer” - Denver

While attending a party with her roommate Maggie; Denver spots the number one bull rider in the collegiate circuit and she sets her sights on him.

'My Rodeo God is a senior and getting ready to go pro. He’s got his arms folded so that his faded blue jean shirt is pulling tight against his muscles. His sleeves are rolled up, putting his tattoos on display...’ -Denver

It seems natural that she as the number one barrel racer and he as the number one bull rider should hook up right? At least…in her mind it does. Oh, and by hook up I mean just that, sex with no strings. When she finally makes her way across the room and speaks to him that desire solidifies.

Cue the butterflies. Massive swarms of them’ -Denver



His name is John Ransom 'buzz cut, tattooed, tall (for a bull rider) and built like a Mack Truck' When he spots Denver he immediately likes what he sees.

‘I’m convinced she’s the girl I want to break all my rules for.’ -Ransom

There’s just one problem, Ransom is not the only one vying for Denver.
Greer. Where do I even begin with him? Greer, is Denver’s best friend and he is also a friend ‘with benefits’ and he wants more. He loves her, always has always will. And all he wants is for her to give him a chance.

“Do you remember me telling you once that you’re the only one I see? If I let you go, I’ll go blind. I’ll see nothing, want nothing, be nothing.” -Greer

Greer is Denver’s golden boy, he was there for her when no one else was. He has seen her at her lowest points and defended her when she was mistreated even if it was against his own flesh and blood. They’ve been best friends since they were in diapers, and he has given her his heart knowing she has no idea how to truly care for it.

Now here is the thing you should know about Denver, she’s the girl with her middle finger to the world and has every right to be that way. She is the daughter of a whore and her mother’s sins seemed to have infiltrated in to her pores. Denver is a self confessed slut.

She claims it.

She owns it.



I am a slut.
Not just in my imagination.
Not just in my DNA. -Denver

‘A wrecking ball only goes the direction you send it. It was only fair that it had come crashing back into me full force.’ -Denver


Takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Yup, that’s Denver; this chick is a fighter yet has no clue of the strength she possesses. I am eager to watch her grow in to that strong confidant woman because in Used whenever she took one step forward she seemed to be pushed back three.

I wonder how long it will be before she removes the blockades.

I wonder what it will take for her to see herself more clearly.

Tread lightly, because everything is not exactly what it seems WITH ANY of these characters. Lynetta Halat does an awesome job with peeling the layers off of her main characters slowly. In the beginning she gives us a little past to present to let us catch up on what's going on with Denver.
I enjoyed reading about Denver, Greer and Ransom. I especially like how Halat allowed us to see things at the right moments. That peeling away of the layers process is what stood out to me the most in her writing, well that and..this one really hot scene *wiggles eyebrows* BEST DRY HUMPING SCENE EVAH!!!!!



FAVE LINES said or unsaid

'My golden boy.' -Denver referring to Greer

'I never knew slipping into slutitude would be so easy' -Denver

"You should run, motherfucker" -Ransom

" You've got an itchy trigger finger, and it happens to be resting on the self destruct button right now. I need you to step away from the fucking button Denver" - Ransom

My Sweet and Sour
My Sweet – Austin, I LOVE AUSTIN!!!! I really hope he gets his own book! The guy is hilarious!

My Sour - To my dismay there is zero character growth with Denver she struggled up until the end with herself loathing and I think Halat intended for it to be that way; this is a 3 book series.

My thoughts
Used is pretty steamy and has some twists that I did not see coming. I absolutely LOVED the secondary characters. Maggie and Austin kept my attention just as much as the main three. And Halat gave us just enough to want more. I would love to get to know Pete and Maggie in their own book as well as Austin. YES, MORE AUSTIN!

The writing was something I struggled with juuust a little, it took me a while to get in to the book. By a while I’m talking a good 35% before I was officially hooked in. And even then, Used was floating at the 3 star mark up until the last 30% for me, around then it became a 4 star book.

What I loved immensely and I know others will too… was the dual pov!
I’m very curious to see what will happen in the next book. In case you’re wondering..YES, I will be continuing with the series.

My Rating and Why
I gave Used 3.5 stars because Denver was a really hard chick for me to connect with. Not only that, I also struggled with her internal self hate battles that only seemed to progress throughout the book. That bugged me a bit, no…no it bugged me a lot. She continuously called herself a slut and just accepted it as a fact.

As a reader you clearly see that she is more. She is STRONG, KIND, SMART, CARING and very TALENTED. If only she could see those things instead of being blinded by the slut label.

NOTE: This book contains a rape scene which may be disturbing to some readers.

Cliffhanger? The book ends abruptly. Not exactly in an ‘edge of your seat - omg - where is the rest of the page way.’ It just ends in a ‘to be continued - oh it’s about to get juicy kind of way.’ Hope that helps.

My Ratings
Characters- Lovable, Sweet and Sexy
Writing Style- Good
Plot/Storyline- Love triangle with a damaged girl who does not know her worth
Steam Factor- High/Very good on steam. On a scale of 1-10 I say 8 *GRINS*
Overall- I liked it!!!
My Recommendation : Check it out!!


Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to: www.realitybites-letsgetlost.blogspot...
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/realitybitesletsgetlost

*ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review*

[♥ Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'll try to be as brief as possible.
Would I recommend this book? Hell-to-the-no.
Why not, you ask?

First, I don't understand what it is with the whole friends-with-benefits (FWB) plots these days, but it ain't sweet, cute, endearing, or romantic. Like, at all. Maybe for certain people, it is. If that's your fantasy - or reality, I judge you not. Feel free.


However, I think everyone will universally agree that FWB during high school (teens who aren't even 18 yet) engaging in that type of reckless sexual behavior is just unhealthy and plain wrong. But whatever. Everyone makes their own bed. And who I am to judge?


But since this is MY review, and MY opinion - my personal beliefs do play a role on how I reacted to the content of the book. Yeah, there are plenty of "steamy sex scenes" but it just didn't feel right, cause it was under a FWB context - but not only that, Denver was under extreme pressure when she chose to engage in that type of behavior.


I could see that in some ways, Denver's story could be taken as a cautionary tale of sorts. 'Cause FWB relationships never tend to work, and always ends up a complicated mess. But somehow, I still felt an overall "romanticization" of it, and it bugged me.

Ransom had his hot-boy moments, but aside from his typical Hero antics, he was just another stereotypical book-bad-boy-hero who falls in love with a supposed "slut." Because her eyes were SO hypnotizing, and b/c he's apparently ... cut from the same cloth. HA.

And I'm sorry, but no matter what anyone says, I can't get past the fact that he had sex with another chick while Denver was in the other room. Whether he "knew" she was in the room or not, that's just a douche ass punk move. It's NOT ok.
I don't care how "hot" Ransom is. He's just another pathetic excuse for a "bad boy."


DENVER, oh god. She was just a HOT mess. She was just messed up in the head; so insecure and pathetic. To some extent, her "background" did make me sympathize with her. And at such a young age, I could understand how she could end up the way she did. Still, at some point, she should have to own up to her decisions. She CONTINUALLY chose her path. No, that doesn't mean she deserved all the horrible stuff that happened, but she did play her part too. She's not the "oh-so-wronged-victim" she's portrayed to be. I refused to buy into that bullshit.


How the hell could she be so wishy washy? I just couldn't get behind her character. And her "slut" title? It was kind of a sham. Her whole character was just whacky. She was an emotional slut, that's forsure.

The only character I had interest in was GREER. But my hopes were wrongfully crushed 'cause somehow, he became the villain. It happened so suddenly. And it just didn't make sense, given his nickname, "Golden Boy."


The whole story got me so agitated. The "romance" and sickly triangle just didn't do it for me. Denver's twisted past, her underlying trauma and family issues, coupled with not one, but TWO messed up hotties vying for her just didn't make sense.

It was not only unrealistic that Greer would stoop so low, but Denver kept pushing Greer away, even though she "loved" him. WTF? Uh....

And then RANSOM. WTF kind of name is that anyway? Ugh. Well, he was just another douche. I didn't find his actions "sweet." To me, he was just another perv trying to take advantage of a damaged girl...

I just don't get the hype surrounding this book...Sorry y'all, but you should probably steer clear of this angst ridden, illogical, unrealistic, crappy story. THIS IS NOT A LOVE STORY. I REPEAT, THIS IS NOT A LOVE STORY.

SEX =/= LOVE.

[Toski Covey · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW.

WOW.

WOW.

My mind is blown at the moment. From cover to cover I did not want this story to end. I was sucked in and part of it of them - yes, it's THAT kind of connection.

We meet Denver.. A barrel racing bada$$ and her lifelong best friend Greer who is head over heels in love with Denver. Greer is perfection.. Blonde curly hair. Beautiful blue eyes. Tan skin. HOT MANLY SEX ON A STICK. The problem? Denver has endured a troubled past and believes him to be "too good" for her. An admitted slut- she knows she can never give Greer the kind of love he wants and deserves.

"I want to love him but I don't know how to love him the way he deserves"

So they make a pack. Friends with benefits. No relationship. Just sex.
What's the problem with that? No one will get hurt.
The part Denver forgot? Greer is in total L.O.V.E. with her and will never give up on the chance to be with her.

Flash forward Denver goes off to college as well as Greer. Greer and her will finally have a break and Denver hopes Greer finds Ms. Perfect while away at his school.

Then Greer comes after her- deciding to go to the same college as her- planning to win her back.

"I love you Chicken, I'm not going down without a fight."

Enter John Ransom. <-- sexy bull riding man-whore-cowboy.

"You want me. Slut or not. A$$hole or not. You.want.me"

SWOON.

You now know where this is going. Pick a team - cause this baby it's now a love triangle.

Only it's not- or not a typical love triangle. ONE of them hates her. One of them LOVES her. She is beyond conflicted and now we are in a
Love/hate triangle..



USing someone can be fun- being used - not so much.

Who's using who?


Read it to find out.




FIVE HUGE GIANT STARS BABY.

I'll be a chicken or a little fighter just give me one of these boys.
You ask me my team? I'll never choose. I'm #TeamEffingFence

I'll use them BOTH ;)

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 USED/ABUSED AND UNLOVABLE STARS



When reading this be prepared for the mind fucks that will come your way, and believe me they will come!!

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

Being the daughter of a whore did come in handy at times, I am my mothers daughter, I am fickle and needy..I have the hots for one brother and am considering the other as well..



The rumor is that I have sex with my friends - Many friends, not just one, and that I require nothing in return, they use me and I use them..

I CAN SEE HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF

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




Greer is beautiful, but his beauty is unique, it's his inner beauty that shines through and by far surpasses what's on the outside..We've been best friends since before we were born..He's kind compassionate, and he's my golden boy..



"You've never given me a chance Chicken"

"Why do you call me that?"

"I thought they were pretty, with all their colors, gracefulness and conversations, they are actually really smart, beautiful and unique..

"Your my chicken."

You can see the love that she feels for Greer all the way through this but that undenaiable attraction is what's missing which she feels for Randsom..



A reputation as a 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

My little fighter
She's everything I need
She consumes me!!



So just when I've settled myself on "Team Greer" and rooting for him, he does the unthinkable..



It just broke my heart what he did to Denver, this beautiful, strong, independent girl was destroyed over an act of alcohol fueled lust..

BETRAYAL

I can not wait for the next book!! So if you see this author jabbering on Facebook please give her a nudge and tell he to go back to writing!!

One teaser (picture) was used in this review with the authors permission and the person who created it, all other pictures/teasers I made up myself..

[Lynetta Halat · Rating 5 out of 5]

***9/12/14--This weekend only--Used (Unlovable, #1) & Freed (Unlovable, #2) are on sale!***

Amazon US http://tinyurl.com/nwtsnjz
Amazon UK http://tinyurl.com/n3tkmvc
Amazon AU http://tinyurl.com/nn7zolo
Amazon CA http://tinyurl.com/lykyr9t
Barnes & Noble http://tinyurl.com/mxg9uq5
Smashwords http://tinyurl.com/o5s8u85

Signed paperback GIVEAWAY (open internationally)!!! https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...

RELEASING SUNDAY 1/19!


I'm so in love with these real, raw, and completely flawed characters! I hope you love them too...

[Lady Vigilante (Feifei)]

DNF for now.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

No
No
annnnnnd
NO

I felt no connection to Denver. I actually saw a friend mark this as a 'DNF' for her for that very reason, BUT I chose to try it anyway because it looked good.

It was BORING. I felt the rodeo talk was shoved down our throats.

I am going to ruin the book at this point, so if you are on the fence about reading it. Stop reading now...

Greer is built up to be the best 'boy next door/fuck buddy' EVER. He's hot, and he has been in love with Denver since they were 8 years old. He's saved her more times than we can count, from her perv of a step father and her whore mother. He's really her only person in life.

She leaves him to go to college. BUT the first party where Denver meets the hot Ransom, up pops Greer. No coincidence there, that was all planned.

Denver has a lot to deal with, rumors that have followed her since high school. She's a slut, she calls herself a slut, she is almost "proud" to be a slut because well I actually don't know why she is so self deprecating, but she is she hates herself and thinks that she is unworthy of a real relationship with Greer so she uses him for sex and he in a way uses her, he uses her to be closer to her because he is SO in love with her. It's sweet right?

Here in lies my issue with this book. Not only is Greer this really hot guy, protector and best friend but he is also this total piece of shit who come to find out is the one who started the rumors about Denver. He told a secret of hers to get a boy to leave her alone and he is the reason that everyone is talking shit about her (and why Ransom gets pissed and starts to hate her, until he doesn't hate her because he really likes her??)

Greer takes her grief as a sign that she wants to have sex after learning that the guy she thought she loved and loved her was the reason she felt most of her pain.. So she says 'no' and he rapes her.

I have no issue with rape and non consensual sex in books when it is in a relationship.. Yup it's one of my dark "doesn't bother me" things in books. This bugged me because he was freaking crazy but I didn't feel a connection to Denver so I kind of thought it was her own damn fault, which is horrible because no one chooses that.. BUt she broke Greer in a way.. She was so damn wishy washy she had no idea who she was and what she wanted (other than to ride) and everyone especially Greer had to clean up her messes.

she bugged me.. Save your time..

[Debra]

**ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

[Chris- Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

A reputation as a 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

Well I will start by saying that if Lynetta wrote it I will read it. I have not found a book that she has written yet that I have not fallen in love with the story or the characters. Lynetta pours her heart and her soul into her writing and it clearly shows with everything she has written thus far. Used is no exception. Once again Lynetta has brought us characters that will pull at your heart strings from the first page till the last page. This is a different kind of story then anything Lynetta has written before and I was excited to see where she was going to go with this story once I read the synopsis. She did not disappoint me at all. I LOVED every single minute of this story.

Denver is a Barrel Racer…. Greer is a calf roper. …. Ransom is a Bull Rider……

Denver and Greer grew up together. Greer has stood by Denver through all the challenges she has faced in her life, from being called a slut at school, to be bullied by her peers, he has even stood by her in instances with numerous different step father’s. They know everything about each other, or so it seems they do.

They are best friends, but they are also friends with benefits. Denver does not think she deserves to be loved, and refuses to get into a relationship with Greer or anyone else. Denver goes off to college and to separate herself from Greer because she has felt bad about the way she has treated him all through their sex and nothing more relationship. She wants him to be able to find someone he deserves who will love him and give him what he deserves. Greer does not give up that easily though and he follows her to the same college.

Ransom, hot sexy bull rider, and he also is a known man-whore. When Denver and Ransom meet there is chemistry between the two. She has always followed his career and he has always followed her’s as well. Can these two have a relationship with Ransom being a man-whore and Denver thinking she is a Slut? What about Greer, where is he in all of this?

This is a love/ hate triangle. These characters are raw, gritty, and so damn flawless.

This story does end with more to come, but it does not end in a major cliffhanger in my opinion. You will definitely want more and you will definitely want to know what happens with these 3 individuals. Who’s Team will you be on when you finish this story? I myself I am 100% team Ransom and when you read this awesome story you will know why I chose Random!!!!

I can not wait for Freed!!!!!!!









I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS ONE !!!!!!




I am a slut. Or am I? I don't even know anymore. I do know that I'm embracing my newfound reputation and that scares the hell out of me.--Denver

My reputation as my college's favorite man whore with a heart of gold tends to proceed me. But one line I've always drawn is no 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 for 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 one night stand who gets repeated over and over again. There are no strings, no attachments. No emotions. For her anyway. But when does unrequited love become an unhealthy obsession?—Greer

Who's using who?

USED

Love. Hate. Triangle.

[✝✝ Ⓓaisy ❣ ✝✝ · Rating 3 out of 5]

What did I think? Tough!! I had a love and hate relationship with this book.

Used, just like the title, it is a story about being used. There are three main characters in this book, Greer, Ransom and Denver.





Ooo yeah, it is love triangle, hence it was a difficult for me.... And I ended wanting to kick Denver for keeping those boys in a mess especially Greer.
Let's see,

Greer is the best mate from childhood and he was used by her for causal sex and poor boy, he has feelings from her.



Then enters Ransom, a hot tattooed, tall and built bull rider. He is definitely is flirts and enjoys random woman - comes with the glamour.





And our not so darling Denver, who is barrel racer. She has her demons and she uses sex to erase it.



I felt sorry for Greer <3



Hence by the end of the story, I was confused and annoyed with Denver and there were so many questions felt unanswered. It also ends in a cliffy manner.

For those who love love triangle, this book might be yours.



Happy reading

D xo

**ARC provided for tour**

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review

***4 I'm Torn Stars***



Friendship, Love, Sex, Slut, Whore, First Love, Lies, Betrayals, Cowboys, Pain, Hurt, Romance, Self Worth and Love Triangles pretty much summed USED by Lynetta Halat.

USED by Lynetta Halat left me feeling used and torn. I rarely read books that has love triangles because of the angst and it always messes with my emotions. And usually the one I’m rooting for always gets the short end of the stick. I’m one of those readers that likes everyone to get their happily ever after. So when I decided to read USED, I will first say the blurb caught my attention and my curiosity was piqued especially the heroine Denver Dempsey classified herself as a slut.

What can I say about Denver Dempsey but I really feel bad for the girl. She has major mommy issues toss in some daddy issues that has played major impact on her feeling unworthy of love and self-worth. Her life growing up was not pretty since her life involved a revolving door of new step dads. The only person who truly LOVES Denver is her childhood best friend, Greer Tanner. Personally, I believed that he loved her so much that it drove him to do anything in his power to just make her his. When Greer thought he could finally get Denver to love him back, John Ransom enters into the picture. Ransom was the top collegiate bullrider whom Denver couldn’t stay away from. She was attracted to him and vice versa. So who does Denver pick? Team Greer? Team Ransom?



My thoughts:

Used has left me feeling torn. I started out really loving Greer and wanted him to get Denver. I just wanted to shake Denver and say why can't you see and hear what Greer's been trying to get through to you. Then 65% into the book, I started to like Ransom. Ugh this is why I hate love triangle!!!! One thing is for sure, Denver is simply a HOT MESS!! Denver was the real problem for me...It just bugged me that she couldn't see her self worth and I really wanted her to see what Greer and Ransom have been trying to get through her. I know majority of the readers will favor Team Ransom especially towards the end. Personally, I do admit that with the new shocking revelation in the book, it has me leaning in favoring Ransom but I still have hope in Greer. I will not excuse what Greer did but that letter just about killed me and I truly believe that he really really loves Denver and plus I have always been drawn to the best friend to lovers relationships.

Personally, I thought this book had too much rodeo stuff and I would have preferred if it wasn't so prevalent. I can 100% say that I love the secondary characters Maggie and Austin. These two help relieved the angst and tension of the brewing love triangles between Denver, Greer, and Ransom.

I really hope in FREED that redemption can be found for Greer and that Denver can finally find her self worth. I really hope that she can be finally free with all this negativity she has about herself. As for Ransom, I really do believe that he cares for Denver and who knew this bull-rider was a little Alpha D!! I do see that he might be the one to help Denver. This is why I can't do love triangles...the angst and the guy that I always root for always ends up not getting the girl. So I'm hoping that in Freed, that Ms. Halat can shock her readers and maybe this time the guy I favor ends up getting the girl. Or maybe Denver doesn't have to end up with either one. I truly believe that Denver needs to be able to love herself first before she can give her heart to either men.

**There is a cliffhanger ending. Not a major cliffy but will have you wanting to know what Denver will decide.**

Review on Behalf of Give Me Books Blog
Lynetta Halat

[London · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Used (Unlovable #1)
Series: Yes
Author: Lynetta Halat
Release Date: January 17, 2014
Rating: 3.5
HEA: .Not Yet.

Any Hard Limits?
Cliffhanger: .Yes.
Intolerable Heroine .No.
Über Douchebagery .Yes-one of the heroes.
Cheating: .No.
Love Triangle .Yes.





01/29/14: Um. Holy shit. What did I just read? I need to come back after I regroup from the clusterfuck that was this book. Thought I was in for a cutesy love triangle and ended up with something so different than what I expected. I need some time to be able to give this book the review it deserves. Lynetta Halat, you've got my attention!


02/08/14: *Okay I'm back* So I need to address the fact that there is no way I can write a review without major spoilers. I have been reading quite a few comments from reviewers stating that a certain tragic event in the book was entirely the heroines fault. Quite frankly I feel like I could vomit from reading such idiotic comments from readers. I know this is fiction, however, the event that took place could very likely have taken place in real life. Therefore, I feel like I really need to redeem our poor tragic heroine from such revolting attacks because apparently a few people didn't read the same book I did. So here it goes




I have no idea how on earth anyone could blame Denver for what Greer did to her. A few people have been commenting on how she led him on and she played with his emotions and thus a drunken filled night turned tragic because of her actions. Are you kidding me? Lets start from the beginning then.

1. From the moment her mother's boyfriend tried to rape her Denver changed and everything she'd been beginning to feel for Greer came to a halt. How exactly can we blame her? I think some readers are forgetting the fact that this may be a book with adult type situations with young people acting like adults, but at the end of the day Denver was very much a child. When a child is spending so much time being consumed with fear in her home with no support from her mother or deadbeat father I can imagine falling in love with your next door neighbor is the last thing on your mind

2. While her solution to the problem with her mother's boyfriend wasn't the right one I can't really blame her for her irrational behavior. She told Greer what she wanted from him and gave him an out which he was unwilling to take because he couldn't stand the thought of her being with someone else.

3. When she came up with their arrangement she once again gave him an out which he again refused to take. She repeatedly told him that she was incapable of giving him what he wants emotionally right now. I can't blame the girl. She has no friends, she's been completely alienated by people at school so she is completely dependent on Greer (I'll get back to that later), her father refuses to interfere knowing what happened to her, and her mother is a selfish whore. So when she tells him they should stop sleeping with each other (FOR HIS SAKE) he tells her no. Again, how is she to blame?

4. Denver decides she wants to stop hurting her best friend by going out of state for college and allowing him the chance to find a nice girl that's capable of loving him the way she isn't able to. What happens? She moves and his ass comes following after her ! How the hell is this her fault?


At first I thought all of this was sweet, until the big "OMG NO" moment. While I definitely DO NOT think Greer meant for what happened to happen it still did. There is no "no ifs, ands or buts" in this situation. Rape is rape. She said no and she was crying. I genuinely believe that he didn't mean to rape her and was caught up in the moment but there's no changing the facts. Now I would have been able to eventually get over this if it weren't for his declaration about how he was responsible for all the rumors about her being a "whore" all throughout high school. Due to his insecurities and his obsession with her he had been the one to spread rumors about their "friends with benefits" situation resulting in her being made into a social pariah. He made it so that he was the only person she could ever turn to and so that she was completely alienated from others. How is this love? Greer's love is selfish. He cared more about himself than he cared about her. So I want to know throughout all of this how the hell was any of this Denver's fault? If anything it seems like Denver is the one whose love for Greer was completely unselfish. It also seems like the only one who was manipulative and playing games was Greer.


I know this was a long rant but the comments about the rape incident really rubbed me the wrong way


TEAM RANSOM!

BTW this review is not anti-Greer it was more a response as to how I believe Denver was absolutely not to blame for what happened. I really like Greer and I'm hoping he finds a way to redeem himself.

[Oihane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desde luego este libro no es una lectura rápida, más bien todo lo contrario. Se me ha hecho difícil leerlo, ha habido momentos en e los que no podía seguir, pero ha merecido la pena.

Denver... al principio la odié, no entendía la forma en que se ve a sí misma, daban ganas de decirle: ¡¿PERO ES QUE NO VES QUE ESO NO ES ASÍ, QUE NO TIENE SENTIDO?!! A medida que fui leyendo más sobre su pasado fui entendiéndola mejor, aunque sigo ODIANDO la pobre opinión que tiene de ella y la forma en que se culpa de todo. Espero que en la continuación aprenda a verse como realmente es.

Sobre el triángulo amoroso cuando iba por la mitad del libro pensé que era la primera vez que no podía decidirme entre dos chicos en un libro, los dos eran perfectos y totalmente diferentes. Pero más adelante como que me cansé de Greer y le veía demasiado celoso. Ransom me encantó durante TODO el libro. Aunque al final no hizo falta elegir, Lynetta eligió por mí...

Me he llevado dos sorpresas bastaaaante grandes, una buena y otra mala (malísima). No me las esperaba para nada. Por la mala me costó seguir adelante con el libro, la forma en que Lynetta escribe esa parte... creo que es una de las escenas de ese tipo mejor escritas que he leído. No puedo decir mucho sin dar spoilers, pero me hizo sentir cosas que prefiero no volver a sentir. Describe tan bien lo que ella piensa y siente en ese momento y después que no pude...
Las revelaciones del final aligeran un poco todo ese trauma y te deja queriendo tener YA el segundo!

En definitiva un buen libro, del tipo que se te queda marcado y sabes que no vas a olvidarte de él en un tiempo.

[✿kawehi.reviews]

What a GORGEOUS COVER!! I'm normally not a fan of love triangles but I'm very interested in this one! :)

[~♡AB♡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a ride! Very emotive and I can't put into words how I'm feeling right now. Great read.

[T.M. Frazier]

I just one-clicked the fuck out of this.

[Mariam]

DNF at 34%
I didn't connect well with the heroine. I'll get back to it later though.

[Chelcie Dacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop. Breath. Think. Ok. Right. Words. I need to formulate words in order to write this review. A review of a book is suppose to be full of words that help explain why you loved or hated a book. I can't seem to formulate the correct words. Which, we all know I am very good at.

Ok. I think I can do this.

"I'm a slut" those first words of the blurb drew me in. I mean what person admits openly that they are a slut. NO ONE DOES THAT. This girl, Denver, she does. She owns that shit. But she doesn't have to. She is confused and her mom is a whore who needs to be bitch slapped a few times and then feed rat poison. Yeah, I said it, I know y'all are thinking it.

Lynetta Halat has written a book that literally shocks you to the core. It has so many emotions coursing threw the pages, that you are unable to process everything at the end. It's an amazing journey for a young girl that is trying to find herself, but along way she is lost. I think we all have a little Denver in us all. I am blown away by the writing style, the way she wrote these characters and the way the story progresses, makes its very, very hard to put it down.

I was very pleased when I first started this book. It was refreshing and the writing made it very easy to continue. I read the blurb, I knew what I was getting into, but it wasn't that at all. NOPE,

Expectations meet window. Have a nice life.

We are introduced to Denver. We learn a few things in just the few paragraphs that we read first and I am pleased to say that I was #teamdenver right from the beginning. Girls can be catty and these girls had that quality down to a science. I loved how she stood tall and took it all and gave them shit right back. I felt so many feels for Denver. I thought I wasn't going to like her because usually in a love triangle, I find myself not liking the girl. But this isn't your typical love triangle. I don't really think I can classify it as that. So I felt for Denver and I wanted to be her friend and hug the shit out of her.

She doesn't keep us waiting to meet the fine ass guys in this book.  There are so many hot guys that it's hard to chose who you want to pin you up against the barn door and have his way with you.

I hate cowboys and they are not sexy. Said no one EVER.
We have Pete and Austin. OMG Austin is my fav side boy. I loved how he never gave up on trying to convince Denver that she should be with him, but he is loyal and all joking a side he knew who she belonged with and I want to give the guy a big ol bear hug. I LOVE AUSTIN. Lynetta, make him get a happily ever after with me. WINK WINK.

Ransom. Say that name and let it roll off your tongue. RANSOM. I could totally hear myself screaming his name, while.... writing this review. Dirty girls get your mind out of the gutter. Ransom just may have made his way up to the top 10 book boyfriends of all time. I mean I was so excited when I got to a certain part of the book and I was like, WOW way to peel back the layers like an onion Ms. Halat. Didn't see that shit coming. HIGH FIVE. You have made me a fan for life with that shit.

Then there is Greer. I can't really say much about this part of the book. It will give way to much away and I don't want that. You have to go in with just knowing the information from the blurb and just say FUCK IT. I'm ready to be USED.  But I will say one thing. FUCK YOU GREER. I had you pegged and I called bullshit on your ass. But with that be said, I am moving on.

This book is adorable. The entire book I had a southern accent in my head. The lingo, the way the they talk to each other, the horses, the explanation of the rodeo circuit. It is amazing. The characters, the plot, the writing. EVERYTHING about this book was amazingly adorable. I loved that it is centered around the rodeo and cowboys.

So it's adorable. Right? Right. But that's not all it is. It's one hell of an intense journey with so many twists and turns that you are like WTF just happened. That can't be right. Did that really just happen? Wait, No, No, No. No. A lot of awwwww that's so sweet and OMG I need a fan for my vajayjay because its to damn hot.

 

In all seriousness, this book is not for the faint of heart. There are some really deep issues in this book and some might be hard to digest. But what happens in this book is real and raw and deep. Some might not be able to see what I see I this book. I see a girl who needs to find her own way. She must fight the demons that have been holding her down for far to long and let go of all the self doubt. She must say go bye to the past and welcome the future. But that's the hardest part of growing up. So I can see this book for what it is and I hope y'all can too.

This is a must read for 2014, you will be kicking yourself in the ass if you do not read this book. Like really, go read this book. Don't fuck with me and read this book.

\

[Miss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm having a hard time even giving three stars for this book. Generally when I read a book that has a heroine that I can't stand I don't feel bad for giving it a lower rating. In this case my three stars are given for the fact that I wanted to finish the book and it was written well.

Slut shaming is pretty common in books these days, but what was different in this book was that most of the slut shaming was coming from the heroine and directed at herself. I never could fully understand her reasoning for feeling the way that she did about herself. It was as if the heroine wanted to be a victim of something. Her mom was known as a gold digger and had been married 7 times. Some of the men she had brought into her daughter's life had been pervy bastards. Despite a couple of close calls the heroine managed to free herself from the unimaginable from these step dads. She decides that she wants to rid herself of her virginity on her terms, because apparently it is her innocence that draws these men to her like a moth to a flame. At one time the heroine even mentions that she can tell by the way her step dad is looking at her that he is imagining himself inside her. What. The. Fuck?

Now we get to the part when shit goes downhill and the reader gets to see just how selfish and manipulative this heroine is. She convinces her best friend whom she's known all her life to rid her of her virginity. He feels uncomfortable about it and doesn't want to use her in that way because he loves her. She doesn't care about that though and when she threatens him to get what she needs by someone else he gives in. She treats him like shit for years by making sure that he knows that he is nothing more than a fuck buddy. He loves her though and is willing to accept what he can get. That's all I can say without spoiling the book. I understand what the author was trying to do when she took the road that she did later on in the book with the heroine and her best friend. I understand but I don't buy it and that's what pissed me off. Like I said before this heroine comes off as someone who wants to be a victim and it felt as though her manipulative self was sighing with relief when she got her wish. It pains me to even think that way.

[GTR33GURL · Rating 5 out of 5]

RANSOME!!!!!!!
OMG hottest cowboy everrrrrrrr loved RANSOME from the start there was no other guy for Denver nope not listening only Ransome can love her fix her help her see she's worthy of everything and so much more her parents and peers dirt bags worse parenting ever Greer oh dear he annoyed me from the start so needy I'm sure he loved her in his sick kind of way but he was a few brain cells short all I can say is I hope he stays away from Denver and his evil mother I wanted to smash her face in and to think Denver thinks she's a slut NO WAY is she even close to that but it's how she feels she's never had anyone really truly see her till Ransome and boy he's got a few secrets tucked away Maggie was sweet so was Pete but Austin I loved so funny lol so much with him I can not wait for Freed in April well done Lynetta Halat I'm def a fan 5 emotional stars!!!

[Liene · Rating 1 out of 5]

????????????????????????
THANK THE LORD IT'S OVER

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

4 “chicken” “little fighter” “golden boy” Kisses

Wow…I’m so torn right now. I am like a bundle of emotions and I'm shaking and at a total loss of what I want to think or do or say. I really almost don’t even know where to begin! Because I think a lot of things, so many things – and some of them are conflicting things and I don’t know how to process that. I live for books that suck me in…I am an emotional reader and books that can completely take me to another place and make me forget that I am reading are like my crack. Lynetta Halat has a complete knack for doing that to me…she did it with Everything I’ve Never Had and I knew to expect greatness from Used. But…be prepared…this is going to be a babble-filled review...and I cannot guarantee how much of it will make sense…because I am all over the place right now. #YouveBeenWarned :-)

Denver Magnolia Dempsey… “little fighter” …it’s funny that that’s the name that Ransom gives her because it could not be more accurate. I don’t think Denver has gone a day in her life without fighting. Fighting something…her mom…her feelings…Greer…the inevitable…it’s just ingrained in her nature to fight. And I don’t necessarily mean that in a bad sense but there are and were moments that I was just ready to knock the ever living stuffing out of that girl. There were times when I loved Denver so much…I empathized with her…I felt for her…but then she would say/do/think something and I just want to smack some sense into her. Her thoughts are not completely logical…to me…which is fine, but I kept waiting for that moment for her to talk to someone or figure out the truth…and it just never came. It was a very frustrating experience because I did and do like her. There are other facets to Denver’s personality…part of being a fighter, she’s also very competitive…I loved that about her because when it comes to her specialty (barrel racing) it’s inspiring to see her passion and dedication to it. But the one part of her I loved the most was her relationship with Greer. Her feelings about him while misjudged and sometimes aggravating were always very clear to me…I just had to keep holding onto the hope that she would figure them out.

‘He stiffened and sat up even taller. “I’m not a little girl, Denver.”
“You’re sure acting like one,” I joked.
“You should try it sometime.”
“Ouch! That hurt, golden boy.”
“Whatever, chicken butt.”

Greer Tanner…oh my golden boy…what can I say. I had an inexplicable pull towards Greer from the beginning. Most of it was his history with Denver…a lot of it was his feelings for Denver…part of it is because he’s just too beautiful for words…but there is no denying all that is wonderful and good about Greer Tanner. It’s bittersweet talking about him because my feelings over the course of Used changed…and now that I’m done, I don’t know what I think. I know his friendship with Denver was probably her saving grace…I know that he is probably the only person in her life who has really, truly loved her…I know through their entire sordid history, through all of the times he should have said fuck it or given up, he didn’t and that makes him amazing…I love his perseverance and his heart but I feel so bad for him. Because he never had it easy from the beginning of their relationship…but he also knew that from the start. There is definitely one thing I cannot deny and that is that Greer loves Denver more than anything in this world…and that’s one thing I was fighting for the entire time I was reading.

‘“I don’t want to lose my best friend,” he tells me.
I bring up my other hand and run it over his jaw. “You’re not going to lose me. No matter what. We’ll still be friends.”
“Relationships ruin friendships. We’ve seen enough of that.”
I shiver with that truth. “True. But we’re different. We’ve been together since before we were born. I can’t live without you, so I won’t hurt our friendship.”
Bringing our entwined hands up, he kisses my knuckles. “Me either. We’ll take it slow, all right?”
“All right, my golden boy,” I whisper.
The effect of my words is instantaneous; the blue in his eyes intensifies to boiling. He leans in, his lips brushing mine softly. “Denver,” he whispers against me. “I’ve always wanted to make you mine. Ever since I understood what that meant. I’ve never seen anyone but you.” And even though his eyes burn with passion, I hear a little tremor in his voice.’

Ransom…God is that not the sexiest name ever? Yeah…I think it might be…even though it’s his last name…John Ransom…sexiest TDH Cowboy ever to walk the earth. What makes Ransom so sexy…besides the fact he’s a cowboy…cause that right there is worth about a million sexy points. He’s one of the best bull riders…he’s damn good at it…and for some reason, all the scars he has to show for it just make him about 1000000% more sexy. The sinking ship for me…Ransom’s a man whore – ding ding ding! We have a winner folks…cause I love my manwhore’s! He’s confident, bordering cocky….but he’s not arrogant. He’s the strong and silent type…but it’s the intriguing level that makes you want to beg to know more…cause oh boy do I ever. I feel like Ransom is this big jumble of secrets that we’ve only begun to really get to know. Because a majority of Used is about Denver and Greer...which is crucial info because we need their backstory…so we only scratch the surface of what Ransom has to offer…but even just the taste that I got was enough to get me hooked. I fed off of his reactions to Denver…and vice versa – even when I may not have agreed with them or liked them…I still couldn’t get enough of their interactions. I knew how she was with Greer so I wanted to see what she was like with Ransom, so I could really make up my mind as to which ‘team’ I was on.

‘I want him. So bad.
“I know you do.” His breath tickles my throat. I groan as I realize I said that aloud. “You have no idea what you do to me,” he continues, as the vibration switches to coming from his voice, to coming from his tongue. I want to weep with relief when it sweeps back up my neck lightly. When he gets to my ear, he places a playful little bite. “Or, maybe you do know. I can’t decide how culpable you are in bringing about my downfall.”
His words confuse me, but I don’t have to wonder long.
“I promised myself I’d never ben with anyone like you. Someone who uses others. Someone who finds pleasure in other’s pain. Someone not strong enough to be herself.” My hands fly up between us, and I push him with all my might. He chuckles as he finds himself a foot or so away from me. We both ignore the fact that he let me push him away. Raising an eyebrow, he tilts his head and boasts, “I could do a lot with that spunkiness, though.”
“Why are you such an asshole?” I demand, as I use my shirtsleeve to wipe away the now-cooled trailed he left on my neck.
“Why are you such a slut?” he counters.’

I love Love Triangles. I do…I love picking sides…I love possibly questioning my sides…but I have never ever been more conflicted then I was while reading Used. I loved both guys…which is really interesting for me because I almost always go with the guy with the most history…and you cannot even come close to faking the history that Greer and Denver have. It’s epic. Legendary. Warmed me heart and soul…even the tough-and-icky stuff that isn’t too pretty but for them it is, because it's part of what makes them who they are. It was hard because I both hated and loved their relationship…mainly of what it could have been…I hate that Denver shut everything off before they were able to truly have a chance. Even though what Greer and Denver had was messy...they still had a connection and a bond...and it might not have been perfect, but for some reason I held on to it and the hope that they could figure their shit out. But at the same time…I loved what Ransom brought out in Denver…which is where a lot of my conflict came it. She was like a different person with him…stronger, more confident – and trust me, she didn’t need any more of either characteristic…and I don’t know if they just feed off of each other because Ransom is different with her too. They are so similar which is why I think they connect so well…but seeing her with a different guy was refreshing and scary because I didn’t want to like them together as much as I did.

“You’re so beautiful,” he echoes my thoughts. “I’ve waited forever to have you again.”
My mouth widens into a soft smile. I’ve wanted him too. I feel terrible for making him wait for my commitment. He’s always been so good to me. And he waded through all my bullshit, making him the only person I could ever truly count on. The fact that I almost threw him away is sobering. “You’re gorgeous, Greer, inside and out,” I breathe. “I can’t believe you’re mine.”
He runs his teeth over his bottom lip and gives me a lopsided grin. “Yours?” he questions.
“Mine,” I confirm.
“Yours.”

So as I said…emotionally this book is spot on for me – couldn’t get any better. The writing was phenomenal, I enjoyed every word of it and for the record...the character names, IN LOVE. I was a little surprised when we switched from being solely in Denver’s POV to adding in Ransom every now at then…but there was a good purpose for it, so it was logical and not ‘just because.’ Plus…I loved being in his head…so there was that too. This plot is so different from any other book I’ve ever read before and I loved that…but there were some things that didn’t add up for me. Trust me…I hate having to say that more than anything in the world, but as much as I need emotion in my books…I also need logic. Granted, some of the things that I was questioning were accounted for later on…but not everything. First of all…Denver’s whole rationality of how/why she was a slut never really added up for me. I got why she thought that…but the simple fact was…she isn’t and wasn’t and never could be a slut. Ever. Period. Thoughts and desires don’t make you a slut – they make you a human. Actions make you a slut and Denver never backed up any of her claims with actions – everything was in her head for me. Considering that’s what most of the book is based on…that was my biggest struggle because a lot of it is Denver fighting with herself internally and I was waiting for that to change...for her to see her true potential...for her to move on and be the woman she was meant to be…free from the shadow of her mother’s mistakes…and allowing herself to just be.

‘She smiles. She freaking smiles at me. This girl. This girl who’s been through so much. She’s so tough, my little fighter. I don’t even understand how she’s walking and functioning, let alone fucking thriving, with all the shit’s she’s been through. And I have a feeling I only know the tip of the iceberg.’

The hugely-epic thing at 60-something percent that happens with Greer…that I didn’t see coming…that had me in tears…that I absolutely hated with every ounce of my being…yeah…that part – not a fan. It was completely out of character for Greer and there are so many aspects to what happens so it’s not cut and dry…it’s convoluted and a mess…and it sucks. But I was so in love with Greer so it really gutted me…I don’t know if I can get over what happened…and that breaks my heart. Plus the things that happened afterward…the fact that we really don’t get to hear that much from Greer afterwards…that almost made it worse for me. I needed to hear his side and the longer it went without getting it, the worse it got for me. Add in the fact that no one picked up on the obvious…blew me away. People aren’t stupid and the characters that are involved are really not stupid…so the fact that they didn’t put two and two together – I’m not buying it. That was almost a bigger deal for me then the whole Denver/slut thing. There’s also a little bit of a twist at the end with Ransom that I kinda-sorta saw coming…there were hints and signs early on…and don’t get me wrong, I liked it but…it was a little but of an ‘oh…okay…so that’s what’s happening’ kind of moment. I dunno how to else to describe it. Now even with the issues that I had with Used, I still completely enjoyed the book…because everything else…the characters, the writing, the emotions...all of my positive feelings outweigh the issues I had. It just bugs me because I know if those problems had been fixed, explained or addressed, this would have easily been one of the best books I’ve read so far this year.

‘Reaching out slowly, he runs his hand up my arm and squeezes my shoulder before I curl into him. It feels good here, wrapped in his arms. It shouldn’t but it does. Apparently that’s my MO. I’m the girl who enjoys things she shouldn’t.’

I have barely scratched the surface when it comes to my feelings and thoughts about this book – I don’t know if I’ll be able to shut up about it for a while…but I will say when I got to around 90% and we were like eons away from a final solid, non-rushed conclusion to this mess…I knew it was going to be a cliff. Now…I am so okay with cliff’s…I love a good cliff…I really do…and damn…this is a pretty good cliff. But it did add to the layers of my already jumbled feelings because it’s like wait…NO!!!!! Don’t end it like that!!! Cause I don’t know if I’m going to be able to sleep well until April when I can get my hands on Freed. In fact, if anyone wants to join me in my mission to kidnap Lynetta and her laptop…please let me know. :-)

[Nikki Groom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double review with my blog girl Sarah :)


Nikki- Wow!! I’m still putting together all the pieces of this book and wondering if I went back and re read it, would I see all the little signs that I seem to have missed?! It just kept surprising me and when you read as many books as we do, it takes something really quite special to do this. I love that I was blindsided . I love that I was so deep into the story that I didn’t see it coming. I love that I was so wrapped up in their little world that I didn’t want to come out!

Sarah- I was completely shocked as well. It is not often that I am unable to figure out plot twists but I had no idea what was coming at all. Not a single inkling. I wonder the same thing, but the more that I think about it I really don’t think that there were any signs to point us in that direction. I know that this is probably pretty obvious, but Team Ransom or Team Greer?

Nikki- I KNEW you were going to make me answer that! I was Team Ransom from the very beginning. Even though I love Greer, yes I still love him after everything. But there was an undeniable spark from Ransom. He spoke to me. I knew there was so many layers to him, the last layer that we discovered being a big double bonus! I’m guessing i’m going to have to share him with you too?

Sarah- I am firmly ensconced on Team Ransom. I was torn for most of the book though, until the tipping over point. I love both of them. Greer had been there for her through so much that I could not write him off. He was just so sweet and wonderful in everything. And Ransom was just so irresistible, even when he was being an ass. It was hard for me to decide for a really long time who I thought that she should be with but events made me have to choose and I chose Ransom. I think that my favorite scene was the karaoke. I love the song that they sang and I kind of thought that it was perfect for them. Which scene was your favorite?

Nikki-So many to choose from. I love the sassiness of the interview they did together. I love the way that Greer would always show up at just the right time and save her. The karaoke has to be up there with my favorites too. I actually can’t pick one favorite, the whole book is full of favorites. I feel that this is by far Lynetta’s best work to date. I was sucked in, and when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about it! The characters are so well rounded that I felt a deep connection to them. I felt everything they felt. When they were happy, so was I. When sh*t happened, I was totally there with them. I felt like we knew the characters so well that we knew what they were thinking.

Sarah- I know exactly what you’re saying. I couldn’t put it down. I actually read the whole thing in one setting, I had to know what was going to happen. I was really sad when I finished it. I wanted more. I felt like these were real people with real flaws. I could relate to them and I was happy that it wasn’t another suited billionaire who was misunderstood. I think that the idea behind the whole story was so fresh that I fell in love with the concept before I knew the characters. Now that I know them I just want to hang out with all of them, they were easy to love.

Nikki-I struggled with Denvers self loathing. it was heartbreaking to see how a young lady could be wronged in so many ways and not loved or protected how she should have been by the one person who should always be in your corner. It was a blessing that she had Greer to back her up and make her feel a little bit of self worth. It was so bittersweet that future revelations questioned everything she thought she knew. She is certainly one of my favorite female book characters. Her compassion with her horses shone through. She’s smart, sassy, but also vulnerable and doesn’t always make the sensible choice. Which is REAL and believable. How did you feel about Denver?

Sarah- I loved Denver, I felt like I could really relate to her. While I hated the stuff that she projected her mother’s issues on to herself, I could totally see where that came from. I like that she owned who she was though, despite the things that she didn’t love about herself. I loved that she stood up to those bitches though, I kind of thought that it was hilarious. I just wish that she could have been that strong with all of the people in her life.

Nikki-Yes, she was certainly sure of herself and not afraid to stand up for what she thought was right. It just pained me to think she couldn’t see the good in herself like she did in others. I could have drop kicked her mum, and don’t even get me started on the boyfriend, let’s just say he would be carrying his manhood home in a plastic bag!
As for the love triangle aspect of this book, I want to clarify something. there is no nasty, awkward cheating scenes. there is no one getting caught out. Every party knows the score from the outset and I would say that it’s only a triangle because Denver has to chose a direction to go in. Her choices are made pretty easy I’d say after what happens. But, in true Lynetta style, i’m sure she’s going to take the rug out from under me in the next book!

Sarah- Agreed, definitely not what we’ve come to expect when we hear ‘love triangle’. I’m with you, as far as I’m concerned I think that there is no choice, but I’m sure that I’ll feel completely different when I am reading Freed. She is able to make what seems to be a complete deal breaker for me and turn it on it’s head. I’m quite anxious to get my grubby little hands on the next part of Denver’s story!

[The Book Hangover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book! There was some mystery, crazy times, crazy situations, betrayal but then funny comebacks, swoonworthy moments and hot romance (and a little bit of a love triangle)! Hold on to your panties because it can be a bit of a bumpy ride in the rodeo life!

Poor Denver has been through shit with life. Her mom's a gold-digging whore, moving from one husband to the next when the money dries up, inevitably the cause to push Denver's dad away from both of them. Denver's dad think she's just like her mom and she should wait it out until she goes off to college. All of her mom's men seem to leer after Denver in hopes of one thing so Denver tries to get rid of it before they try and take it.

All of her life she's "loved" the Tanner boys - lusting after Lawson and becoming best friends with Greer. She loved Greer and he loved her so he would help her with a favor right? There's no one better for the job. That's what she thinks until rumors start spreading around that she's a love-em-and-leave-em type with her guy friends. She's uses people (just like her mom). So just imagine the type of damage this has caused the poor girl.

Denver heads off to college hoping for a fresh start. She gets along with her roommate, Maggie and Greer isn't here. This is exactly what she needs. One of the first nights they're at a party and meet more in the rodeo circuit. Maggie instantly is interested in Pete and standing right next to Pete is none other than Ransom, number one bull rider in the circuit and Denver is immediately intrigued. At this very same party, Greer shows up and turns out he's now attending Montana too! WTF?

Yep... this story is full of hot cowboys, pretty ladies, competition in both the rodeo circuit and with Denver's heart. This story is emotional and heart-breaking. There are times you want to punch people in the face but times that you laugh at Austin (Ransom's cousin - he's quite the character and I love him)! Lynetta is another author who just doesn't put the storyline in an easy format - she leaves it a mystery to piece together. And boy, some things are not what they seem so you'll get a little shock in some turn of events. I absolutely LOVED the ending. There were hints to Ransom's "lifestyle" and I was hoping for more of that and to see where that would lead so I'm HOPING with Freed (Unlovable #2) we get more of Denver and Ransom and Greer! I didn't want their story to end :(

Again - loved this story so be sure to pick it up!!

Check out more from our blog tour stop at: http://wp.me/p3vwIF-V0

[Taryn Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review

Denver Dempsey is a hot mess. She's been told how low she is her whole life so now she actually believes she is a real life slut and that's all she will ever be. I hated how self deprecating she is. I just wanted to shake her and tell her how she's wanted and loved and respected by everyone around her. She's caught in a love triangle between her long time "friend-with-benefits" Greer and the bull rider she's always been a little obsessed with Ransom. The book takes place at a college in Montana where they all participate in competitive rodeo.

This book is really good. But I was so upset when it just ended! There was no big cliffy but we get absolutely no resolution. Just a nice "Check out the next book..." So that frustrated me a bit. But other than that I think the book was really emotional. The book lands on certain subjects that others have a hard time dealing with such as abuse and rape, but it gave the book dimension and was well plotted.

I really like Ransom. Greer is... well you'll have to read to find out. But I just felt bad for him throughout the whole book and then suddenly I could care less for him. You'll have to read to find out why. But back to Ransom. He's the man that Denver needs. She's already petty tough and strong, but she needs a man that will see how precious she is and never let go for fear of breaking her.

Overall, I think this was a wonderful book. I think it's a coming of age type of book. I'm giving this book 4 STARS out of 5 STARS. I cannot wait for the next book in the Unlovable Series!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read by Taryn Lee on January 20, 2013
Reviewed by Taryn Lee on January 25, 2013
http://facebook.com/tarynleesblog

[Tamara Hook Me Up Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Lynetta Halat and I quite enjoyed it. Used is the story of the love triangle between Denver, Greer and Ransom. It is a story about friendship, love and betrayal. It is also a story about a girl with little to no self worth, who truly believes that she is a slut and will only ever be a slut.

I enjoyed the writing style in this book; it was easy to read and to the point, just how I like it to be. I can't stand it when a writer takes five sentences to say what should have been said in one, so I really appreciated that about this author.

I loved the secondary characters! This was another thing I appreciated about this story; that the author took the time to develop these characters. It added another dimension to the story. Now, back to the main characters. Denver... she was a little hard to totally relate to for me. Perhaps that was just because this book is part of a trilogy and so we will see her character development over the course of the three books. But in this book she didn't really grow or change which I would have liked to have seen. But I do understand that that will come. Greer... mmmm, let's just leave it at that! I won't give any plot points away so all I'll say is that you will need to read it for yourself and make up your own mind. Ransom... loved him!

If you enjoy New Adult books with love triangles and some angst, this is the book for you!

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was like my period first you feel bloated, then you start bleeding, you get cramps and after a couple off days you're just happy it's over.

This book made no sense I don't understand why Denver blames herself for her mother behavior. I don't understand why the writer chose to come up with the unrealistic harsh mother. Greer is just a total psycho he sounded so nice. Ransom is actually a nice man whoring guy.

My issues with the book : Denver's way she sees herself I don't understand why? it makes no sense. Why would you give people the permission to talk about you being a slut when in real life your are not? She is a very smart girl, she runs the ranch by herself, and she's the best at barrel racing ( if I remember correctly). So does her behavior make sense ? No absolutely not.
En the ending? Huh did we just turn a page in fifty shades of grey? The writing was not bad but the story was totally unrealistic.

[Ashleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed but the heroine got on my last nerves. Your not a slut because you slept with one person or because your mother is. Hopfully the next book she will LEARN this lol!

[Anas Attic Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used (Unlovable 1) by Lynetta Halat

New adult love triangle with a western theme. Does not stand alone.

I had been hearing some buzz about Used" target="_blank">Used, and since I loved Everything I've Never Had" target="_blank">Everything I've Never Had by Lynetta Halat, I read this book without even reading the blurb. I didn't even know it was New Adult when I started it. I am going to preface this review by saying  I have never liked western/cowboy books, even though I think cowboys can be hot.  Therefore, I had a hard time at the beginning, but the book turned around for me, big time.

Denver (a girl) is a champion Barrel Racer (using google in the first few pages isn't the best sign) and has been best friends with her neighbor and fellow rodeo rider, Greer, since birth. Greer is head over heels in love with Denver, but Denver doesn't feel she deserves love from her "golden boy". You see, her mother is a whore. She marries men for money, gets bored, and moves on to the next. Denver tried so hard not to be like her mom, but fears she has become her anyway.

"God decides who has blonde hair, who has brown...and who has slut DNA. Now there is nothing more to do but face the facts that are painfully visible in front of me. Because, despite all my praying, I've become her anyway. Someone not worthy of respect. Someone not worthy of loyalty, Someone not worthy of compassion. And ultimately, someone not worthy of love."

Each of her disgusting stepfathers want to take her innocence. So instead of giving them that temptation, she decides to give it up on her own terms, to her best friend. But Greer is over the top in love with Denver. He wants it to be perfect.

“You're more valuable to me than a quick roll in the hay. Do you have any idea how many times I've dreamt of taking you? But every single time I do, you're surrounded by white lace and rose petals...I've always wanted to make you mine, but not until the day you become my wife.”

But she talks him into it. They begin a regular fuck buddy relationship with Denver using Greer to just get numb. Sure, she loves Greer. But I never felt like she was passionately in love with him. No where's near how he felt about her. She knew she could never love him the way he deserved. Denver ended up with a big reputation as someone that uses her friends for sex, and started to believe her reputation was true, even though she was only ever with Greer. The love he had for her was incredible. But she never matched that feeling.

"Do you remember me telling you once that you're the only one I see? If I let you go, I'll go blind. I'll see nothing, want nothing, be nothing."

Then they are off to different colleges. Greer wants to stay together, but Denver is afraid she will destroy Greer like her mother did to her father. She thinks she can start fresh.

"I can't be his when I'm not mine to give. I'm a slave to my emptiness. It's stolen into every aspect of me and owns me so thoroughly"

She gets friendly with her sweet roommate Maggie, and the lovable, funny flirt,  Austin.  Then she meets Ransom, the hot, older, tattooed champion bull rider, and she feels a pull she never felt before. But guess who couldn't stay away? Surprise! Greer is in college with her too! Not only has Greer followed her, but her reputation has too, and Ransom is not into girls with reputations. But he can't help his pull towards Denver.

"I promised myself I'd never be with anyone like you. Someone who uses others. Someone who finds pleasure in other's pain. Someone not strong enough to be herself."

They are all on the same rodeo team, so they all spend a lot of time together, and there is a LOT of rodeo talk in this book. During the first third, I considered not finishing it. I felt like I just had to wade through way too much rodeo stuff to get to the meat of the book. But I stuck with it. When they went to college at 40% it started getting good. When rodeo season ended, it started getting great. And oh, my... I am team Ransom all the way!

"No, no touching. Put your hands against the wall." They hang in the air for a second before I feel myself complying. "Good girl," he breathes.

 

I was team Ransom all the way. Greer was too stalkery, too in love. I know most of the people who read this were Greer fans, but I never got that. Denver needed more. She deserved more.

Likes:
•Well written, with great character development.
•I loved Austin and Maggie.
•I couldn't put the last half down.
•Ransom....yum.
•I loved her (and Ransom's) taste in music. The minute they bonded over that, I was team Ransom all the way.

Dislikes:
•Way too much rodeo.
•Too much background...but this may be necessary for the future books.
•I never understood how this confident seeming, champion rodeo star had such low self esteem. She was stronger than that, or she should have been. I just don't buy that someone that low can be such a champion.
•I hated that she never defended herself or told anyone that Greer was her only lover.
•It ended just when it was getting amazing, now we have to wait for April.

Rating: 4 stars, 4 heat

The first third was 2.5-3 stars. The second third was 4 stars. The last third? 5+++.  While the beginning was slow for me, especially because I know nothing about rodeo, I am so glad I decided to stick with it, because I really loved the last third. Ransom is a baby Dom, and I think his alpha tendencies are just what Denver needs to pull her out of the self-destructive path she was on. I can't wait for the next in the series, Freed.

Purchase Used (Unlovable 1) by Lynetta Halat
Used" target="_blank">Amazon | BN.com
 

 

I'd love your opinion! Have you read this?

 
Please visit my blog Ana's Attic Book Blog and join my page on Facebook

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC received from Author in exchange for an honest review*

I don’t know how Lynetta keeps doing this, but she has Amazed me once again. No review can do this book justice, it’s just impossible. Every one of her books wraps it’s tendrils around you and USED was no different. I actually find it ironic how much I loved this book considering how the blurb sort of scared me. Not one for promiscuous character, I should have known better than to ever doubt Lynetta, as if she could ever write something bad. Sure, Denver may not be the quiet, demure girl next door but she is a remarkable character with flaws like the average person and self-esteem so torn it’s no wonder she sees no other avenue for her life to lead.

“Will he write my name on his notebooks, doodling little hearts around it? He certainly has doodles his name all over my heart.”-Denver

USED was a remarkable read. From the beginning you are immersed in this world that everyone may not agree with but we all can understand in a way why and how Denver’s life got so out of control. In many ways you have to ask yourself, can we really blame her? In fact for someone who deems herself a Slut, I in fact found her the total opposite. Sometimes it’s easier to let people see what they want and make them happy then let them make their own assumptions. I found Denver very respectable. She’s honest and though she hides it, she’s a good person with a kind heart. Just the way she is with her horses is cause enough to like her, not to mention her fabulous taste in classic rock. And to be clear, I don’t think Denver is a SLUT, in fact I think she’s far from it, but that’s all I say about it, for spoiler sake.

“God I want him. When he sings about your favorite sin doing you in, I fight the urge to throw down my mike, drag him off stage, and show him sin in the best possible way.”-Denver


If this book was a sport it would be a touchdown and a grand slam worthy of an Olympic medal. And it’s not even done… I’ll admit I was livid at the end of the book. Lynetta is known for not writing cliff-hangers and in my eyes this totally ends on one, throw in a love triangle and I was all out of sorts. Total USED hangover in progress. As a self-proclaimed HATER of cliff-hangers I digress, I’m not mad, I’m flipping anxious. There’s so much left for Denver, Greer and Ransom that I can’t wait too long.

One of the best things I found about USED were the characters. Denver may not be a character everyone can relate to, but she’s more real than most lead heroines we read about. Denver has depth and an inner fight that she rarely feels she deserves. Towards the end of USED I felt Denver was finally becoming more herself, even just learning who she is. You can’t put Baby in a corner and she’s got nothing on Denver. Only problem for Denver is, she’s continually put herself in that corner and now that she knows she worthy of more, I can’t wait to see the real her Emerge.

“Sometime our first love isn’t meant to be out last.”-Denver

I don’t want to focus too much on the storyline of USED. From the blurb and many reviews I’m sure it’s easy to make assumptions about whether someone would like or dislike this book but yet I argue this is one that needs to be experienced. Sure we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover nor should anyone judge Denver, she’s as much right to exert her sexuality as all our Male Book Boyfriends. Denver is a unique individual. She’s lost in a world of her own creation, mainly from fear. She can’t see any other way to live or protect herself other than by being in control. Both Greer and Ransom challenge this belief and that just makes Denver more committed.

“He’s not just bossy.
He is domineering.
He is dominating.
‘How many shades are you?”-Denver

Can I just say I was not expecting the whole BDSM side to play a role in a Lynetta Halat book, but this girl can make the most erotic authors run for their money. I’m seriously giddy for all the Naughty we can expect in FREED. This is already one of my favorite books this year and I know it will be a series fave. Somehow there are so many plot lines happening in such a fundamental way that nothing becomes crowded or overwhelming. I cannot respect that more. Sometimes authors try to cram information down our throats, but USED couldn’t be any different, it’s like experiencing it yourself, everything is seen and felt, Nothing is TOLD.

Now to Ransom and Greer. It’s really hard to pick a side. Though, I can’t lie at one point in the book, it’s easy to change alliances and join the other team. Ransom is a cowboy fantasy come to life, chiseled, tattooed and dominating. Greer is Denver’s best friend and confident. He has always been by her side and it’s impossible to imagine her life without him. Unfortunately for Greer, he never puts his foot down enough with Denver, doesn’t assert his masculinity and I think a force like Denver needs a strong hand to get her under control. When the pivotal moment occurs I can’t lie. I was equally worried, scared, enraged and fearful of what else this man could do. Just another way Denver proved her strength. This girl won’t let anyone or anything hold her back, damn the rumors or consequences.

Overall USED was just WoNdErFuL. I don’t know why I was shocked to have loved it so much, Lynetta did write it, but still, this book was powerful and even an inspiration. It tackles many serious issues and of course has an undeniable romance that will grab hold of every emotion inside of you. Be prepared to be changed reading this book but in the best way, no book will do after this. Now we all just have to hold our breath till FREED releases in April.