Freed

Unlovable #2

by Lynetta Halat

Truth. Pain. Freedom.
An awakening like no other.

When life is determined to buck you off, dig in and ride hard.

The bull. The most dangerous lies are the ones we tell ourselves. To survive, I have to face the truth. Easier said than done when it’s not all black and white. There’s the in-between, and this murky void is where I always tend to land.

The horns. Lies don’t always hurt. My lies protected me, but when they are exposed and I can no longer outrun the many shades of truth, I’ll be in for one hell of a reckoning.

The ride. From the outside, my life looks like one big adventure after another. But, there is no freedom in anarchy, and that’s the way I’ve lived my life. Until now. Until Ransom.

Denver Dempsey was a slut for oblivion. Now, she’s a slut for love. And it’s that kind of thinking that got her in trouble in the first place. Ransom awakens Denver in ways she never imagined, but when her true feelings send her reeling, will they catapult her into the arms of Greer—her ex best-friend-with-benefits? After never loving anyone, herself included, she now loves two. One kept her alive. One teaches her how to live. If they didn’t both love her … if hearts weren’t bound to be broken, it would be the stuff dreams are made of.

Will Denver remain locked up in the bullpen, or is she strong enough to open the chute and be freed?

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

197 pages, Unknown Binding

First published April 29, 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

[Lynetta Halat]

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

Excerpt

Bending down in front of me, Ransom taps one foot so that I’ll raise it. He slides one leg of my panties on and then the other before pulling them up to rest just below my skirt. Fixing me with his stare, he grasps my thighs and presses his nose and mouth to my center. My back arches from the wall, but my hands stay where he placed them. “Fuck, you smell good. Good enough to eat, but that can’t happen tonight.”

I whimper low in my throat as he runs his nose and open mouth over the apex of my thighs, placing open-mouthed kisses right where I need him most. My eyelids flutter and close, only to pop back open when he commands, “Eyes on me.” He places a light kiss right over my swollen, begging center. My whole body convulses.

“Nuh, uh,” he chastises, enjoying himself entirely too much. Hooking his fingers in my panties again, he draws them up over my thighs and under my skirt. His calloused fingertips scratch my soft skin even though his touch is gentle. Once he has them in place, he runs his fingertips down the triangle of the fabric ever so slowly, stopping before he reaches my need. Goose bumps make quick work of my body. “I’m addicted to how responsive you are to my touch,” he whispers, planting a hard kiss there this time. A desperate moan wrenches itself from my throat. “And I haven’t even really touched you or tasted you yet. Can you imagine how good we’re going to be together, Denver?”

Swallowing hard, I manage a nod ‘cause that’s rhetorical, right? Ransom slides his hands from under my skirt and skims them up my body to fit his hands around my jaw. He plants a quick kiss on my ear before sucking the lobe into his mouth and nipping at it. “Remember what I said,” he whispers. “No touching yourself. Your orgasms are mine. And when you deserve them, I’ll be the one to give them to you.” I whimper again. “If it helps, I can’t fucking wait, and when I’m stroking myself tonight, it’ll be with your soft moans in my ear, your incredible scent surrounding me, and your delectable body that I’m imagining losing myself in.”

I groan because no, that doesn’t help at all, actually. I bite down on voicing my frustration because I know it’ll get me nowhere with this man.

All rights reserved. Copyright Lynetta Halat 2014.

[Chris- Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars Review to come Soon !!!!!


**** NEW TEASER IMAGES AND EXCERPT*****

(Coming 5.5.14)



“Tell me what you feel,” he demands.
My mouth’s gone completely dry, so I have to swallow hard and wet my lips before I can speak. Even then, I don’t know how I manage, “I feel … good.”
“Good?” The smile in his voice burns so bright I can see it through my blindfold. “You can do better than … good.”
I search my feeble mind, grasping at words that will please him. I am nothing if I can’t please him. He’s made damn sure of it. “Your voice scratches across my skin like charcoal, and I am only what you sketch me to be. Your scent wraps around me like a winter’s night, making me long for the blanket of your skin, yet my body blazes from your withheld touch.”
“Very good,” he praises.
I imagine him standing over me, gazing down on me like he owns me because he does. He’s shirtless in only his faded button fly Wranglers. His dark skin glistening from the sweat of exertion, excitement dancing in his eyes like rays of sunlight on the sea, and his full lips beckoning me to kiss him. I squirm as much as I’m able. “I wish I could see you.”
“All in good time, little fighter,” he soothes. “You’re doing so well.”
Suddenly, his lips hover over mine, but I know better than to close the distance. “Kiss me,” he commands.
Hmm … my pleasure …

Copyright 2014 by Lynetta Halat. All rights reserved.

[Alexis *Reality Bites* · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW may contain mature content reader discretion is advised.
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: New Adult Romance

4 Crazy-Sexy-Cool STARS!!!

Listen, I may have struggled with the first book HOWEVER there was no struggling with this one.

I LOVE DENVER! I LOVE RANSOM and you know what I LOVE GREER TOO!



It started with a whisper :

‘He didn’t just find me at the bottom of the stairs the night my entire life changed. He’d found me at rock bottom.’ -Denver

At the end of Used Denver reaches her breaking point. Truths are revealed and it becomes too much to bare. What we know about Denver is that she considers herself to be a slut, in fact once the rumor mill started in high school she just eventually embraced it. Now in college the rumors have spread and again she embraces it. Ransom on the other hand does not take too kindly to this and he works to show Denver that she is not a slut. He works to show her that she deserves love and that SHE is WORTH loving. There is a lot of growth in the relationship between these two characters.



The waiting position :

What is it about the image of me being on my knees for him that sets me on fire? I don’t get it, but I’m not fighting it either.’ -Denver

If you’ve read book one then you know that Ransom has particular tastes in the bedroom… Halat erotically displays his dominance with some squirm in your seat panty melting moments. What I thoroughly enjoyed was how easily Denver adapted to being submissive.

Obedient.
Peaceful.
Willing in its innocence.
Until he uttered those words … Bend over across my lap, Denver. Oh, my. Oh, my. OH. MY! Anticipation and fear battled and tangled deep within me. Which brings me to the here and now, as Ransom scrunches my camisole nightie to rest high on my back. His fingertips skate down my spine, and he whispers how beautiful I look. How proud he is of me for trusting him to fulfill my needs.

In my humble opinion the chemistry between these two was written well in every scene they had together. I found it undeniable and in turn was unable to put my book down.

‘I go where you go. You are my home.’ -Denver

My Sweet and Sour

My Sweet- The bull riding scene with a certain cowgirl! LOVED!

My Sour- Victoria. Bit#h GO. AWAY.

The Characters

Denver - Well, I have to say Denver comes a long way in this book. Altho she feels unsettled about Greer she continues to put one foot in front of the other as she seeks to mend various relationships. Denver’s character is bold, never one to back down from confrontation and will speak whatever is on her mind consequences be damn. I like that about her. I have a HUGE girl crush on her. HUGE!!!!

Ransom- Is there ANYTHING this guy can’t do??? NO, really, he is like the total book boyfriend package. Champion Bull rider, singer and a fighter does he not excel at anything? LOL! PLUS he has this sweet little secret that had me grinning from ear to ear once he let it out. Ransom is focused, intelligent and seems to always be in control. He likes to have control. Of course Denver longs to make him loose all control which is too cute when you read her attempts in those scenes.

Greer - Is facing reality and coming to grip with the mistakes that he’s made and how his role in the bad choices made by both him and Denver has impacted their relationship towards one another. I hope Greer gets his own book, I am rooting for him!

Austin- Hilarious, sweet and has a bit of an alpha side to him of this I am sure. He was the true highlight of the book! Austin brings a smile to my face in every scene he appears in. I love him and I hope he finds love too!

Stone- Sweet and oh so adorable once you get to know him. His character started off a bit of a mystery but soon light was shed on his role. I know readers will want to learn more about him. I know I want more!

My Thoughts
I LOVED IT! Did I not make that clear *GRINS* Halat has a few surprises in store for readers and I am anxious to hear their reactions. Freed was an emotional roller coaster, every scene with Denver and Greer was raw and super intense. I hope that these two are able to gain a new healthy relationship. I’m eager to learn more about Stone. PLEASE tell me he gets a book?!?!

My Rating and Why
I gave Freed 4 STARS because the book hit all my marks; I found it sexy, with great comedic timing. It also had some emotionally charged scenes that really hit me. Toss in some nice twists, a pop up from an unwanted character just to add in that touch of drama and no it was not a high dose of drama just a taste. Just the way I like it!

My Ratings
Characters- Sweet, lovable and Hilarious
Writing Style- Favorable with good dialogue
Plot/Storyline- Damaged girl surrender to the guy whom seeks to dominate her while rebuilding the pieces of her life that need fixing
Steam Factor- - High/Steamy On a scale of 1-10 I say 8
Entertainment Level- From Lo-Med-Hi I say Medium
Overall- I loved it!
My Recommendation : READ IT!

Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
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*Copy kindly provided by the author for an honest review*

[Laurna · Rating 5 out of 5]

[London · Rating 2 out of 5]

Title: Freed (Unlovable #2
Series: Part of a series
Author: Lynetta Halat
Release Date: May 05, 2014
Rating: 2 Stars
HEA: .Yes.


And for those of you that need the following answered prior to starting a book:

Any Hard Limits?
Cliffhanger: . No.
Intolerable Heroine .Debatable.
Über Douchebagery .No.
Cheating: .No.
Love Triangle .Sort of.






I'm pretty disappointed with this book. After reading (and loving) the first book in the series I was anxiously waiting for this to be released.

Absolutely NOTHING happens in this book. I'm not even joking. I don't even know what the point of this book was.


The entire book consists of boring repetitive conversations between Ransom and Denver about how she's not a slut. The rest are really tame scenes of Ransom beginning to pop is Dom cherry. Only two new pieces of information are added in the story one of which I felt was pointless because nothing happens after it's addressed. Ransom has a long lost brother from another mother who comes to find him The other was cute and not all that interesting Ransom is a virgin .


Besides that absolutely nothing new is offered and I'm not even sure what the point of the book was. It could have honestly been shortened and added to the previous book. It's just a really really long story about Denver's journey to love herself because Ransom asks her random questions everyday. LOL.

The book doesn't end with a cliffy so I'm not sure what else there is in the next book and it seems like the love triangle angle isn't coming up again either. I might consider reading the next book but I'm not all that excited about it as before.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review **

☆ ☆ ☆☆ 4.5 RANSOM STARS ☆ ☆ ☆☆



When I read USED, I was so hesitant to read FREED but I am so happy that I did. The reason for my hesitation was that I was nervous and scared to see how the whole Greer, Denver, and Ransom situation will be played out. I know there will be others who disagree with me whether Greer could be forgiven and redeemed. I firmly agree what he did was wrong, but I don’t think Greer is a bad person. He made a choice that he has to live with for the rest of his life. Both Denver and Greer played a part that lead them to USE each other. The Greer-Denver-Ransom storyline was just perfect in this second installment. I didn’t feel USED but FREED. Freed brought closure, healing, forgiveness, and love.



FREED picked up where it last left off in USED. Denver is reeling with her broken friendship with Greer and moving on with Ransom. I was at a loss for words on how perfect this story-line was. Denver shocked me with her growth. She was able to admit her faults, forgive, and move on. I just love the BRAND NEW Denver and it took her long time to get where she is and she got there with the help of Ransom. Finally, her heart was open to LOVE, HEAL, FORGIVE, and MOVE ON. The scenes with Greer and Denver were so raw, honest and heartfelt. I loved how Ms. Halat didn’t put the total blame on Greer, but allowed readers to see both sides and what led to things to spiral out of control. The closure and repairing of friendship was what made me LOVE this book the most.



Closure and forgiveness allowed this new chapter in Denver and Ransom’s life. And I absolutely loved JOHN RANSOM for his role in helping Denver heal. He brought strength and faith back into Denver’s life. Who knew this bull rider was a therapist too...I mean he gives meaningful advice to Denver. He healed her emotionally and that was what Denver needed the most. He allowed her to trust him and give him the control that he needs in their relationship. What can I say but I am absolutely smitten with John Ransom...officially making me TEAM RANSOM!! Behind the tough exterior of John Ransom lies a man who was patient, kind, understanding and giving. He puts Denver’s needs above his.

Ms. Halat did an amazing job in FREED!! I was blown away with how she was able to free all the characters emotionally and physically. Lynetta Halat brought back light into Denver, Greer, and Ransom’s life. No longer used but freed. Thank you Ms. Halat for writing a moving and touching story that made me feel.



Lynetta Halat
** Reviewed on Behalf of Give Me Books **

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

2 “little fighter” Kisses

Let me begin by making a few things perfectly clear. I love Lynetta Halat. A lot. I really liked Used ...I liked the feelings it brought out in me, the complexity of the characters and the storyline and I was so excited about Freed. And, I do have to give Lynetta props, she does not make things easy on herself. This was a tough story to write…a lot of complicated and emotional topics, all thrown together and mixed in a blender full of fucked up choices. But she tackled them head on and she did it in a tactful manner. So with that being said…I’m confused about what I just read. I think the problem is I’m frustrated. I had high expectations for where I hoped this story would go and…not that it went in a bad direction, it just…didn’t work for me.

Denver Magnolia Dempsey…even with as much as Denver frustrated me at times in Used, I always knew there was more to her. I loved her change and progress in Freed, it was absolutely crucial to her character. I’m glad she found someone that could help her and that she found the ability in herself to change. I loved all the revelations she had about herself…and I think she came light years in a relatively short amount of time. And I think that’s part of my problem. Her change is drastic…and granted she had a fabulous motivator to help her make those changes and encourage them and her but…it was too much too fast for me. I got part of what I wanted and you think that would make me happy but I’m just wondering if her reasons for changing were because she wanted them to happen or if it was because she wanted to change for someone else.

“Come here,” I say, curling an arm around her and bringing her to my side before she can protest. “I’m not surprised. You have a lot of love to give.” She shakes her head against my chest. “Yes, you’re a fighter and a lover. Best of both worlds.”

John Ethan ‘Eight Seconds’ Ransom…I really don’t want people to think I don’t love Ransom…I do – but I just don’t see him with Denver. I don’t know why – I can’t explain it, because I do like aspects of them together but I feel like Ransom belongs in a different book, his own book, where he is the focus – cause Jesus Lord have mercy you could write forever on that boy’s past…let alone his future…he’s got so much history. I know he is capable of a lot of love and passion and I liked how much he wanted to give that to Denver and to help her…but I couldn’t see it. I still can’t see it. I wish I could see it. We do get to delve more into Ransom than I thought we would, which is why I wish Ransom could have his own book! There is stuff with an ex-girlfriend, there is stuff with his family, there is just a lot of stuff…and it explains a lot of how and why Ransom is how he is.

‘I wet my lips and swallow hard. His eyes dart to my mouth. Reaching out, I run my hands over his hair and settle them around his jaw. I cradle his face and pull up slightly, letting him know I want his eyes on mine. Leaning in, I plant a brief, soft kiss on his lips. When I pull back, I whisper his name again, and the look he gives me has everything in me tightening. I’m tensed as if I’m standing on a ledge contemplating a plunge into a deep, unknown ravine. I’m secure, though, in the knowledge that Ransom waits for me at the bottom.
“No one calls me John, but you. It is yours…I am yours.” Oh. My. God!’

Did I like Denver and Ransom together…yes. I always felt there was something more with them, it was just hard to give into them being ‘fully’ together with everything else that was going on. I keep saying it, but I truly do like what Ransom did for Denver, the way he made her feel, the positive changes her brought out in her – he was definitely a necessary influence in Denver’s life…but I was never totally team Ransom and this book didn’t change that. I gotta be honest, part of their relationship felt like he was more like her therapist than her boyfriend. I wanted Denver to go to a therapist, desperately…I think it needed to happen, instead the way it worked out…like I said Ransom was like her boyfriend/therapist/Greer replacement (sorry…but…he was)…and it was a little frustrating because I know people are capable of change but Denver being as stubborn as she was and going through everything that she did…all it took was one hot bull rider with the right attitude to ‘fix’ her? I dunno…I’m really not buyin’ it.

‘“That’s beautiful. And for the record, I think your tattoos are beautiful too. They’re a part of who you are.” Her eyes twinkle when she looks back to me. “And you can trust me to tell the truth because I’ve never been much for tattoos either.”
“I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to describe a man’s tattoos as beautiful, Denver,” I joke, hoping to bring a moment of levity to our conversation.
“And your scars,” she whispers, kissing the healed gash on my chin. “I think your scars are beautiful too. All of that has worked to make you who you are, which is one beautiful man.” Weaving my fingers through her hair, I bring her mouth down to crash on mine. Her surprised gasp works in my favor, as it has her opening up to me immediately, and I waste no time in taking advantage of that. My teeth clash against hers for a moment because I feel like I can’t get deep enough. I feel a surge in her as she gives in and opens fully, letting me devour her. When I pull back, she releases a breath that I work hard to take into me. I want all of her. Every breath. Every tremble. Every sweet word.’

There were a lot of other thing that surprised me. With the way Used was cliffed…I can’t help it, I had expectancies of some really hot action between Denver and Ransom. I mean…they’re capable of it…the possibilities are there…I was excited about the BDSM aspect and wondering how it was all going to come together and….well…I’m sorry – but it fell flat for me. I mean the first scene between Ransom and Denver…I was so ready…it had the potential and then, chapter break, switch POV’s and…I have no idea what happened but it did not work for me. At all. Unfortunately that was just the beginning…and not to say that there aren’t sexy times in this book – there are but there is absolutely no sex until the very end – like…last chapter. Which would have been fine, but there is an underlying sexual tone with them…and while they do fool around and do certain things, it’s so tame…it’s practically PG. I’m not expecting them to jump right into sex or anything, everyone appreciates a good build but…I just didn’t get the reason why.

‘Ransom fingers a lock of my hair before tucking it behind my ear and running his fingertips down my neck. His gentle touch makes me shiver. “I think that’s what you do for people you love. You put them first, and when they see that, they return the favor.” He shrugs. “You both end up on top.”’

Then…I finally got the why - because…there’s also a pretty significant bombshell about Ransom that isn’t dropped until less than 10% of the book is left. At first…with the way things were working out (sex wise), I assumed what I thought the reasons were…it made sense for Ransom’s character and all that had happened to Denver…but the real reason…once again, I’m not buying it. Had it been brought up earlier, I could maybe understand – plus I’m sorry, you don’t preach the whole honesty thing and then hold back on that juicy nugget – I’m surprised Denver wasn’t pissed! I would have been – shoot, I was and still am pissed! He expects total honesty from her but then doesn’t mention a key piece of himself…I call bull shit. Then there was some stuff thrown in there with Ransom’s friends…I didn’t buy their reactions either…I’m sorry, I can’t see a bunch of 20-something guys acting that way, especially bull riders.

“Baby, I’ve told you that’s confidence, not cockiness. I know what I want, and I know who I want.”
“And you want me.” It says a lot about me to have phrased that like a statement and not a question. Yay me!
“Better believe it.” His tense gaze locks on me, and I’m spellbound. Those powerful arms tighten around me – arms that make him strong enough to conquer bulls and boxing opponents and…me. Arms that are strong enough to become gentle and hold me and love me. “You’re it for me.” And in that gravelly voice that makes it seem like his words are scraped from the bottom of his very soul, he whispers, “God, woman. You’re the bulls, the horn, the whole fucking ride – everything.”

The flow was…different in this book, there were some things that were drawn out and focused on…that while interesting in their own right, kind of bored me – I mean it gave insight to the characters I guess, but I just didn’t see the point. Especially when there were other things that needed to be addressed…that were later on, but they were kind of brief. Like…telling us rather than showing us…that happened a lot actually. Obviously, we can’t be shown everything, I don’t expect that – but there were instances when something was mentioned and I had to do a double take and re-read because…that would have been something I would have liked to experience – not be told second hand like it’s no big deal. And…even though I am in the minority being a Greer lover…I was honestly disappointed with how things were handled in relation to him. It kinda broke my heart a little bit…I believe he’s getting his own book, so I have hopes that some of that will be repaired. Truly…when I step back and think about it, there was a lot to cover in this book and everything was addressed and tied up…so I can appreciate that.

“Get out of your head, and tell me what you feel. What you want.”
Pressing my eyes shut tighthly, I will myself to say what I feel without hesitation, without reservation. I want to, I just…
“Say it, dammit. Say what you’re feling right now,” he demands again, relentless as ever.
My eyes fly open. “I want you, dammit,” I cry. “I love you.” His eyes widen, like he didn’t think I would actually admit it. He’s not the only one who’s surprised. Ah, God. It feels so good. Then I can’t shut up. “I know it. I feel it. I want it. Loving you is so damn easy that it terrifies me. Not loving you, but the fear of losing it because I’m not good enough.”

Alright, so I’m sad…I’m frustrated…and then I get to the end. I read the last few sentences, clicked to go to the next page, expecting an epilogue and I get…nada. I was in shock. I needed more of an ending…I mean…stuff is good but…that was not the ending I expected. It just left me hanging a little bit….I needed more. I’m really sad that this one didn’t work for me…regardless of if the story line of a book goes the way I expect it or want it to go, it still had to make sense for me and overall, that did not happen.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is it pathetic that I look at the kindle store on amazon twice a day to see if this is available yet? No, I didn't think so either...

Update: I loved this one too, characters developed more, felt like a little window into two people's lives, though I would have liked the secondary characters to not seem so one dimensional, but I think that's normal when two people fall in love like Denver and Ransom did. Can't wait to see what Lynetta does next!

[Alison Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75

The biggest thing I learned after reading Freed? I'm a solid Lynetta Halat fan. Freed is only the second book by this author that I've read. I really enjoyed Used and I like Freed even more. If you've read my reviews before you know I love dialogue and Freed had just the right balance of narrative and dialogue. I enjoyed getting to know Ransom more. I was a little on the fence about him in Used as to whether or not I liked him. I do like him...A LOT. I loved his relationship with Denver. Each had some growing to do by the end of Used and we got to see that happen in Freed. I love the feeling of satisfaction when I come to the end of a book and I was definitely satisfied with Freed. I still hope there is a novella or something with Austin in the future.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the first book. This one I just can't stomach watching the head games and manipulation Denver has created and the consequences others are now suffering. I loved the guys in this book. I will give the author a big high five for making roughly 5-6 hero worthy males in one book and because the story is a page turner. For those reasons it gets 3* at least up to were I quit.

If you don't want details stop reading.... I loved Greer and was devastated with what happened in the first book. I typically get mad when authors write perfect 1st guys then have the heroine blow them off for another guy just for drama but Ransom was awesome too! I didn't know how she was going to get me past what Greer did to Denver but she did. Maybe a little to well. Because now I'm upset with Denver. She manipulated that boy for years knowing he would do anything for her and strung him along playing with his love and friendship. Yes, he could of walked away but Denver knew he wouldn't. He would take whatever scraps she threw at him. She wants to move on because he reminds her of everything bad. That's sweet now that she has dumped all her negative bs and he carried it for her all these years. I'm glad he is getting therapy and his therapist should be telling him to get as far away from Denver's poison as possible. What upsets me is everyone is blaming Greer for that night when that has been her game for years. She pushed him to play the forced sex for years knowing that if he didn't, she would just find someone else to. She KNEW he wouldn't let anyone else be the mock rapist. Considering no kisses and this being her game how did she expect him to know this was a real NO for her?! Maybe in his head he had to mentally check out to do it. Can you imagine what this did to him at that age to have to pretend to force the woman you love to have sex for many years. I hate to say this and will probably get ripped into for it but she sexually abused him for years. She had the power in the relationship. She used his love and trust to make him do things sexually he wasn't comfortable with. If she had been 25 or older women readers would be ripping her a new one. But sorry, it's not age. It's power and control and she had both over Greer. Now she is forgiven and he is the monster. That doesn't sit well with me. So much so I cannot keep reading about her self induced drama. This is a DNF for me.

I always said a good writer is one that can cause extreme emotions and reactions and this book has me still reeling a week later.

[Surrender to Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Used made me weak at the knees, Freed made me fall in love.

Freed is the follow on to the book Used. It centres around Denver Dempsey and how broken yet strong she is and the people in her life who help and equally hinder her path.

Greer was her best friend until he revealed a side to himself in Used that woke Denver up to their destructive relationship. In this book you see her try to work through this as well as her other issues with the help of one cowboy hero Ransom.

Ransom I thought after reading Used had so many more layers and I'm pleased to say I wasn't wrong. We see his strength and we see how he is unwavering in any decision he makes, his confidence (or cockiness as Denver likes to call it) shines through. Ultimately Ransom makes the other characters more, by just being him.

The book starts immediately with scolding hot, raw sexual awakening. But don't be fooled into thinking this is what this book is all about, because it isn't, there is so much story to tell as Denver comes to terms with who she is and whether that person is who she thought she was.

'The thought of trusting someone that much makes me feel light and carefree, two things I've never had the luxury of feeling. To have someone strong like Ransom taking care of me, protecting me, and helping me heal sounds like heaven. And what the fuck does that say about me?'

I loved the feelings Denver developed towards Ransom and how she made him feel whenever she said something complimentary.

'I think your scars are beautiful too. All of that has worked to make you who you are, which is one beautiful man.'

I really enjoyed this book, it was like looking at the flip side to Used, almost like everything coming full circle but in a non destructive way this time.

What I like most about Lynetta Halat's writing is that it feels real. The characters and situations feel honest without being over dramatic, she tells a story like it's meant to be told without adding on 'extras' to make it steroid induced.

As an added extra I would also like to say that personally I would love to read Austin's story and there is also room for Stone, Maggie and Pete to have their say too! Let's not forget about Karen.Also the idea of a novella being set in Ransom and Denver's future telling us what's happened to them excites me too!

Well done Lynetta!

[Cath · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5stars. I loved book one. And I did love Ransom in this but as it got towards the end as I was thinking "there has to be some drama" I felt a little deflated. I hope there will be another book with a bit more to it coz I loved the characters and I thought the writing was great.

[Emmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall rating: 3 stars

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Plot: 2/10
Ending: 4/10
Writing: 8/10
Hero: 10/10
Heroine: 9/10
Humour: 5/10
Steaminess: 7/10
HEA: Yes

[Chelcie Dacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are y'all ready to be FREED? I have been FREED and I wish I could be FREED again. I want more Ransom, I want more Denver, I want more Austin. I don't think I can ever have enough of these characters.

When an author can write a book like USED and make you fall so deeply in love with said book, you seem to expect greatness from that author. It's not fair and you really shouldn't put that kind of pressure on the author. But I do this and I do this a lot. What the fuck ever. I'm lame.

"Been there. Done that. Burned the fucking T-Shirt."
I am not ashamed to say that I have put Lynetta Halat on a pedestal and expect nothing but amazing books that keep me guessing and never let me down. I feel really bad for Her. But bitches gotta keep it real and that's how I roll.


I was blown the fuck away. I had no way of knowing that my thong was going to be blow right out of my ass crack and stripped from my body. I didn't expect for FREED to be so much more than USED. She made me want to strip myself bare and serve myself on a silver platter to the gods above to let me please have John Ransom.

"You ever noticed how sometimes we miss the obvious because it's all too easy?"
She didn't just write an amazing follow up book. She took it beyond that lines of a sequel and gave you storyline that YOU WILL NOT guess. She wrote a book that captivates every sense a human body can feel and enhances them ten fold. She doesn't do cliche and she doesn't do repetitive. She does refreshing and new aged. She does FIERCE, game changing story lines. She threw so many fucking curve balls that I was left mouth hanging open, blankly staring at my iPad, saying:

"Well done Lynetta. Well fucking done"


I am always the one to figure out the shit that the authors want to surprise you with. There are a few books, a few authors that can shock me in to oblivion and Lynetta has joined that list.
"The naivete of youth and inexperience. You think you're invincible. You think that nothing can touch you. That nothing can throw you off course as long as you're in control of your fate. "

THERE IS NOTHING, I SAY NOTHING, THAT I WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THIS BOOK. Wait, that was a lie. The only thing I want is MORE. I want fucking MORE. You hear my Lynetta. GIVE ME FUCKING MORE. I am a greedy greedy bitch and I will not be ashamed.
"Who the fuck wants perfect? I just want you"

I have been USED. I have been FREED. so why do I feel like there is so much more to be done? I am praying to the writing God's that there will be more Baby Dom in my future. I see a bright future for us. Maybe some rope, a little flogging, spanking and definitely hair pulling. Of course there has to be times that I need to be sent to the room and wait for John. He likes it when I do this. He likes it when I submit myself fully to him.

What was that you said? This book isn't about John Ransom and me? Why must you hurt me so? Why must you tell me these lies? This is my story, I just changed my named and the place.
so SHUT THE FUCK UP.

Good Day.

I said Good Day.

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 giddy up, ride em cowboy stars

ARC RECEIVED FROM THE AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW

Freed carries on from where Used ends, so you will need to read it first.

I have been impatiently waiting for this follow up to Freed.... ah heck, I was just waiting for more John Ransom!!

In the aftermath of Used, things are all a bit topsy-turvy with Denver, Ransom and Greer. It is a very angst-ridden book as Denver comes to terms with her past, Greer's betrayal, her feelings for Ransom.

Ransom goes from smoking hot cowboy to positively swoonworthy as he falls more into his "mini dom" skin. I mean, giddy up cowboy!!! This makes him even more perfect for Denver, as I felt she needed that bit of him controlling her to help her mentally get herself through what has happened in her past.

My heart broke for Greer. Yeah, he did some pretty shitty things, but I couldn't help but want things right for him. I want him to get forgiveness and redemption. I just wanted to grab him and give him a big ol' hug.

The sexual chemistry between Ransom and Denver is Off. The. Charts. I mean seriously HOT. There is no way that these two could ever not be together.

I felt there was a lot of growth in Denver's character. She went from the victim in it all to owning her mistakes and apologising for them. She could move on, could open up her heart, feel hope, love. She confronted those demons and left them in the past where they belonged. The emotions were raw, gritty, real. There was not simple "I'm sorry. You're forgiven. Let's forget about it." The characters had to earn their forgivness.

Ms Halat has drawn me into the world of rodeo, and I don't want to leave (this coming from a girl who thinks horses are the beasts of satan!!). There are twists and turns in every story and always leaves me wanting more.

Now the impatient wait for book 3 redeemed begins **stands tapping foot and staring at the calendar**

[Miranda Whore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review for Freed (Unlovable #2) by Lynetta Halat

This review kills me. I mean GUTS me to write. I loved Used. It wasn’t a top-ten book but it was a top-twenty, which says a lot because I read several hundred books in a year. Freed… it’s what I would consider a mess of a follow up. Just a hot freaking mess.

I’ve kept my review on hold because I frankly didn’t know nor want to give it my honest opinion. I don’t like writing reviews for books that didn’t live up to the expectation set by the first book. So, here it goes.

Ransom and Denver. Denver and Greer. Denver and her negative self-speak. Greer and his whipped puppy attitude. Ransom and his baby-dom wanna be self. Ransom and his ex-girlfriend. Denver and Ransom’s mom. Ransom’s mom and (well, you’ll just need to read to find out about that one) Have whiplash yet? Well this is just a few of the “and thens” I could really go on and on. Then I would be tedious just like this book.

If I’m being completely honest, the author should have written a brief novella about how awesome life is with Ransom and Denver, have them get it on and be done. Instead we got a ton of unneeded drama added with a little bit of decent storyline that actually went with the first book.

*SPOILER ALERT*
I know most of my reviews are spoiler free, but this one has to be said. Ransom, the man-whore, is a virgin. Uhm. uhh. ahem. say what? You read that right. Mr. Bringsanewgirlhomeaftereveryparty is a VIRGIN. Who apparently enjoys getting girls off or watching them get off themselves then choking his chicken in the shower afterwards? I don’t know. Unbelievable and completely lost me.

*SPOILERS OVER*

And from there it went from all angst ridden to oh everything is perfect we are all BFFs again and love each other. Sit around the fire and sing Kumbaya and toast marshmallows.

If there is another book in this series, I won’t be reading it. As for book one, I would suggest it, but stop there. Freed gets 2 stars for storyline and 2 damp panties for a whole lot of almost sex followed up by some slightly steamy loss of virginity sex.

A Mommy’s a Book Whore Review.

[Jen McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

fter how Used ended, I was really looking forward to Freed. I wanted some closure to the Greer situation. I wanted to find out WTF happened after Ransom dropped his bomb. I wanted to see how Denver overcame the heartache of having such a shitty life. I was rewarded with answers to all my questions. The conclusion to this series was written beautifully.

I saw so much growth in Denver compared to the start of Used and the finale of Freed. She was like a totally different woman. Her ability to open up and blossom when she finally allowed herself to be with Ransom was incredible. Her ability to forgive Greer showed what kind of person Denver really was. She took some responsibility for the situation that they found themselves in, and I admired her strength to give Greer the closure that he needed.

Greer started off as being this really great guy in Used and by the end of Freed, I both disliked him and felt incredibly sorry for the guy. His actions in Used disgusted me but deep down the guy is a good guy. He just made a really, really horrible decision. The fact that he took such responsibility to try to not only make things right with Denver, but to also address his own issues, made me thing Greer will be okay in time.

And then we come to Ransom. He is such an enigma. I was so intrigued at the end of Used when he dropped his little secret, I couldn’t wait to see what he would have in store for us in Freed. I’ll admit, it wasn’t what I expected. I am totally okay with this because I wasn’t sure how that was going to play out with the theme of these books. Ransom has so many sides to his personality and we really got to view them all in Freed. He was dominant. He was a counselor to Denver. He was a loving and devoted son to his mother. He was a fierce fighter. Such a great combination for a hero.

The ending of Freed really left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling in my heart. I was so happy to see Denver and Ransom beat the odds and make it. Denver’s tough personality won me over. But Ransoms sexyness and caring heart is what makes the series stand out for me. I look forward to reading more from Lynetta.

[Uniquely Jenn Life & Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thing to note if you didn't know this already, this is the conclusion to USED. You do not need to wait for a book three, this is it. If you read my review of USED then you know it blew me away. It is one of my top books. I mean the fact that Greer was the source of her rumors?! DID NOT SEE IT COMING.

So FREED picks up right where we left off with USED and omg. . .Ransom honey. Hot DAMN. This boy is amazing! Baby Dom and all and you can't help but be drawn in by him. What was great about this book is that it wraps things up and brings closure. This book isn't about external struggles but internal ones so there isn't a lot of excess drama in this book yet still the story drives itself because Lynetta keeps you hanging, wanting and anticipating that next moment between Denver and Ransom and when it comes HOLY HELL. AGAIN. Did not see that coming!!

This story from book 1 to this 2nd book is just so tantalizing and amazing. What a way to bring Dominant/Submissive into the college atmosphere and not just that but the Cowboy college life. Shit it is just to unique for me. We get to watch a young Christian Grey only better!! This is RANSOM and he knows himself and is sure of himself. This man knows what he wants and he is so confident in himself (but not in a cocky way) that you respect him and his choices.

I loved the growth I saw in Denver in this book too. She became so much more than the girl we saw start out the college year and her relationship with Ransom is very believable.

Within the first 3 chapters of this book I was purring like a content kitten as so many questions & wants I had were answered and I wasn't left waiting. Still there are surprises left for us to discover, shock value to be had. Finally pure bliss for us to reach.

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you guess who finished the book with a smile on her face? I did. In this book I felt one with the characters and reading it was a pleasant experience. Ransom's mom is great and if hasn't got her happy and I would have demanded it!

Austin's future looks promising. Greer might not be liked by some, but he is still one of my favorite characters in the book and I was so glad to see him pull himself together and find his way towards a better life. Maybe he can find his happy place and a girl to keep. A girl that will make him happy, love him with all her heart and tell him so every day.

Denver grows up in the book. If she were a flower she would blossom. Ransom is there to help her and both of them are happy. They have a beautiful relationship.

Ransom has a little huge surprise at the end for the Denver and us. I had to read that part three times to make sure I had read it correctly. I was wondering why Ransom hadn't said anything earlier about it.

The book felt like an end to Denver and Ransom's story. A much needed epilogue if you ask me. Both of them are happy and in love with each other and I want the third book to be about someone else so it won't brust their bubble.

[Cindy Hoage · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING!!! It is a continuation of Used and it will not disappoint you.

This story focuses on Denver and Ransom and their relationship. What she has to go through to completely and unconditionally accept him in her heart. You have to read Used first in order to understand what and why she is doing what she is doing in Freed to get it.

Ransom is every woman's dream. He is patient, loving, caring, honest, and helpful. He puts her first despite his problems. He expects nothing less from her.

This is typical Lynetta Halat writing and the story rocks as usual!! I seriously could not put the book down and had it finished in a matter of hours. When it releases on May 5th go buy it!!!! Make sure you are in a comfortable spot and plan on being there for a while. =)

Here is a teaser:

"Her lips crash against mine aggressively before I wrap her braid around my fist, angling her head to get a firm grip of her mouth on mine. F**k. This is what I've needed, and what I've been craving. She moans softly against my lips while her hands fit around my waist. I slow down and move my mouth over hers, tenderly yet assertively."

[L.J (Lisa Jane) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARR (Advance Reader Review) - copy provided as a gift in exchange for an honest review...

Ahhhh I LOVE JOHN RANSOM! And I love these books ... Please let them keep coming!

This book was so...hmm, it was simple yet so touching. I felt like I was her. I shivered, I giggle, I was embarrassed....this man is perfect for me. He is country, cowboy, strong and gentle, scary but not, dominant but laid back - just perfect in MY eyes.

Read my full review on my blog part of a blog tour Wed May 7th:
http://ljsecretaddiction.blogspot.com...

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say this book was so much better than the first. The first book was all about tragedy and the grief that followed. This book was about healing and trying to rebuild bridges previously burnt. I liked that everything was not perfect at the ending but there was some peace about the horrible things we saw in the first book.

Ransom of course was amazing through the whole book. Everyone needs a John Ransom in their life! He is loyal, a good son, a bad ass, hot, and the definition of patient! Women need patient, understanding men to put up with our own brand of crazy!

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding true love

5 Star Kindle Unlimited Read
Freed the continuation of "Used" was so much better. Finding out about the real you is hard enough but having someone who loves you helping you through your discoveries make the pain worth it.

[Rita Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I gave three stars because it was good but not can't put down good. It is a nice read and the characters are memorable especially Austin and Greer. I am interested in Greer finding an HEA.

[jacee · Rating 1 out of 5]

dropped at 59%
nothing happened so far
the bdsm, ugh.

[Stephanie- The Boyfriend Bookmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this crazy adventure began at the beginning of the year and left me wanting more of these characters, of the writing, of the story… I whined, pleaded and begged to have this void filled in my heart for the love I have for the bull rider, barrell racer and even the calf roper (cringe). I really thought re-reading Used was going to make the wait better but after the third time, I just knew that my heart would only be happy when it was finally Freed.

Used ended with a little offer from Ransom and we were left wondering if she would take him up on it. But even more than that tempting offer, we were left wondering what was going to happen with Greer. Yes, I will be the first to admit, I was not a Greer fan and after Used, I really wasn’t happy with him. But the fact remained, there was and probably will always be a place in Denver’s heart for him. No matter what happened. I didn’t understand how he could love her so much and yet do what he did. But I also spent a great deal of time in Used wondering how the two of them could have let it all get that far out of control.

Then there was that amazing bull rider. I think I mentioned in my review of Used or maybe just to the author, Ransom had my heart from the beginning of the story. When I found out that Greer was a calf roper, my heart immediately sided with Ransom and that was the end of that. But the more I learned about his character, the more I grew to adore the hell out of him. He was so much more than a stud on a bull.

Denver was left broken trying to figure it all out. But the beauty of it all is that truth will always set you free. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the characters in this book just as much as Used, but Denver was the shining star to me. She grew so much as a person in Freed. It really is the perfect title for this book looking at all aspects, but it really rang true with Denver. So much had built up inside her. She had so many secrets, an awful past, a pained relationship with her parents, everything that happened with Greer… the mystery that was Ransom.

This book was more than just a steamy story with our new favorite baby Dom… it showed so much growth in Denver as a person. She had to figure out a way to deal with all of the manure that life shoveled at her feet. She had to figure out a why to fight her demons and she had to find a way to forgive the sins of her past, Greer’s mistake and she had to do it all while falling in love with an amazing bull rider.

Denver just had something special in her, she truly was a “little fighter” but she just had to find a way to fight for herself for a change. Instead of fighting for an escape. And that’s where the amazing Ransom comes in. He didn’t pressure her to do anything instead, he supported her. He let her lean on him for support. He wanted so much more and he knew once she was on the right path, things between them would be amazing.

Of course, Ransom had his own little secret. So yes, there is that big moment when your jaw just drops wide open and you let out a little shriek. But let me tell you, if that one little thing didn’t make Ransom even more amazing than I thought he already was and the way he was with his mama. There is nothing sweeter than the connection between a mom and her son. It was the little moments in this book that just captured my heart all over again.

And yes, my heart even opened up with understanding for Greer. Now, I am not saying that I forgive him for what he did, but the understanding is there and it was a big growing experience for both him and Denver and it actually made me well up a little. He can’t take back what happened, but at least there is a greater understanding. I want Greer to find his happily ever after, but I want him to do it for the right reasons. I think he has a big heart, it was just lost in all of the confusion of their time together.

Now, I would kick myself if I didn’t take just a minute to recognize one more character that I can’t get enough of… I have completely lost my mind over Austin. He was great in Used, but his character even kicked it up a notch in Freed. He is awesome and I hope that he gets his own book one day because he just makes me smile hard. I adore him and his alpaca…wait… Hilarious! He just wins me over with his unique charm that can only be Austin.

Every time Lynetta hits publish on a new book, I am always just in complete awe. This book was no different, I was left with a happy sigh and a happy heart. But it wasn’t just because of the amazing Ransom, this time it was for the growth that occurred in Denver. The strength she had to work through it all and still find love at the end. It was moving and touching. I don’t expect anything less than that from a Lynetta Halat book. My heart was happy.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you redefine yourself when you have only ever seen yourself as a user and a whore?

How do you give up your control and give into your feelings without giving up everything you think you need to survive?

How do you free yourself from the binds of your own making and feel worth an unconditional love you have never had before?

These are the questions that Denver is struggling with in Lynetta Halat’s new release, Freed. Freed is the second book in the Unlovable Series, and it begins right where Used left off. Denver and Greer’s dysfunctional relationship has crumbled after Greer’s betrayal, and Denver is left shattered. Ransom is doing everything in his power to help Denver through this ordeal and offers her his shoulder as well as his ear, but what he really wants to give her is his heart. But it's not that easy when Denver is torn between what she wants and what she thinks, due to her past actions, she deserves.

Freed is Used’s antithesis – there’s an immense amount of deception, betrayal, and breakdowns in the first installment. None of the main characters, Denver, Greer, or Ransom, are truly honest about what they want and need. All three have pasts that drive them to act in certain ways, and Denver and Greer use each other and those around them to hide how they truly think and feel about each other and themselves. Freed is their awakening, and while all three are still broken in some ways as the text continues, by the end of the story, healing has occurred, and new lives have been chosen and fulfilled.

Denver is as strong as she is weak; she allowed her mother’s actions and people’s perceptions to dictate how she lived her life for too many years, but with Ransom’s help and Greer’s honesty, she builds herself up and moves past her own weaknesses. Ransom understood that her “rebirth” had to begin by her own choosing, and Denver demonstrates great strength in taking the steps to live happily and to accept that she deserves the love of a good man. Her journey is not an easy one, and Lynetta does a fantastic job of illustrating the road blocks Denver faces in this quest. I love the fact that Denver had a few setbacks and over thinks everything entirely too much because that is exactly how I would think someone with such a negative self perception would act. The fact that she gives herself fully to Ransom shows her growth and gives hope to those who have experienced the kind of life she has.

Ransom is an amazing man – he is open and honest; passionate and loving; compassionate and demanding. He has all of the attributes that Denver needs to give up the control she has so desperately held onto for so long. His life has not been easy, which is why control is so important to him, but he also doesn’t allow his past to hold him back. He knows what’s important in life, and he grabs it by the horns and rides it as fast and as hard as he can!

I was not at all happy with Greer at the end of Used, but I’m glad that Lynetta showed his healing in this book along with Denver’s because as much as I want to solely blame him for everything that happened, it’s not completely his fault, which Denver explains quite well throughout the story. Greer’s mistakes cost him the one person he thought he would never lose, and he will have to leave with that and find a way to accept it and hopefully allow himself to be in a healthy relationship somewhere down the line.

Freed is a character driven story, and I loved it! Because it’s told through both Denver and Ransom’s point of views, readers are allowed to understand the inner turmoil that both experience as they work to start a life together and learn what it means to love someone unconditionally. Although much of the story focuses on Denver and Ransom figuring out how to make their new relationship blossom, there is still a bit of angst, a few surprises, and quite a few laughs due to their great group of friends. Lynetta writes her characters and storyline in such a way that readers cannot help but be pulled into their lives and experience all that they do along the way. We feel each and every emotion that the characters feel because the writing allows us to, and even if a few tears are shed, it’s a journey that not one reader would willingly give up.

A complimentary copy of the text was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

[Melanie Charlesworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Who the fuck wants perfect? I just want you.” - Ransom

I want to start off by saying that I loved Used, book one. I am a lover of angst, bad boys and love triangles. The more emotion, the more I like a book, story, characters. I am really invested in this series. I love the characters and their stories that make them who they are today and who they are growing into becoming.

Like Used, Freed is written for the POV of both Denver and Ransom and the reader gets to get to know each of them a bit better. But this book should not be read as a standalone. You would be completely lost if you skip over everything that happened in Used. And boy, did a lot happen. So, if you haven't read it yet, I suggest that you stop reading this review because it contains spoilers from book 1.

The end of Used really threw me for a loop when Ransom propositioned Denver with an arrangement of sorts. As in a BDSM arrangement. I am NOT a fan of BDSM. Coming from an abusive background, some aspects of BDSM make me upset, unsettled, disturbed and lots of other feelings that I won't bore you with. A submissive's role during the waiting position, makes me want to come out of my skin and there is no aspect of spanking that I will ever understand, but I think that that stems from being spanked by my father with his hand, belt, scrub brush, and whatever else was handy. I could NEVER give ANYONE that much control over me. I have no problem with blind folds and being tied up, but I just don't understand the draw of wanting to be punished/given pain or giving the punishment/pain.

“The point of your waiting position is to get you in the proper head space and demonstrate that your sole purpose is to please me and present me with what I long for most—complete control over you and only you—my submissive. The way in which you perform that is a direct reflection of your respect for both yourself and for me."- Ransom

OMG just re-reading that makes me uncomfortable!

Submissive. A word that I’m pretty sure I’d never even said aloud before a few nights ago. A word I would never have thought applied, much less appealed, to me. Oh, I’ll admit I read the books, looked up the terms, and became intrigued by that world, but it was more like a distant, unattainable, yet entirely hot, fantasy—it was safe to imagine thinking I would never have the situation presented to me. Does the fact that this concept turns me on mean that I am submissive? In the bedroom, I think it does, which is odd because I had always taken the lead with Greer. - Denver

With all of that being said, I loved this book but at 25% I had to call a friend who was also reading it to see if I should keep reading because I was starting to worry about where the story was going. I powered through and I am happy that I did.

...to give someone that kind of power, even reciprocal power as Ransom had explained it, scares the living shit out of me. To trust someone with all that I am, and willingly give them the power to destroy me? Sounds ludicrous for someone like me since I’ve never allowed anyone that close—not my parents, not my former so-called friends, not Greer—no one, ever. - Denver

Greer made a few appearances, and my heart breaks for him and the unforgivable things that he did. But I don't hate him, I feel sorry for him to have made a few bad decisions that caused lasting wounds. In a perfect world, where Denver's step dad didn't try to rape her and she had a mother that gave a shit., Greer and Denver would have been the perfect happy couple and sharing their love of ranching and horses. But, unfortunately there is no such thing as perfect.

My heart beats with joy as I think about all my new friends. Greer and I had been so foolish, wrapping ourselves in our damaged, little cocoon with only each other to feed on. Secrets, lies, and betrayal becoming our only other sustenance. No, that’s not fair. We managed to weave beautiful moments in there too. And even though the ugly is hideous, we’ve got some good to work with. - Denver

Even though I am not happy with the direction that the book took with the BDSM aspect, I still really liked the book. And the sub/dom story line did not dominate the book. So, I am giving it 4 stars because I love these characters and their journeys into adulthood. I will be anxiously awaiting Redeemed.

[Sarah Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is it that I trust him more than I’ve ever trusted anyone in my life, yet barely even know him?

Freed. Five little letters that personify so much of every aspect of this book. Being FREED from the chains that once bound you to a life you thought you deserved no better than. FREED from unhealthy relationships, both with friends and family, because you thought you earned the abuse. FREED from the misconstrued thoughts of what you misguidingly believed something to be about. But mostly, FREED from the restraints you had placed on your heart so many years ago. FREED to finally live the life you so rightly never knew you wanted. Like I said; five little letters that speak volumes and one talented author to bring us full circle.

“Fucking missed you. So much. How do you sleep? How do you function?”
“Who says I do?”

We begin our journey almost to the minute where Used left us; Ransom has made an offer to Denver and she is contemplating her response. I’m sure you can already deduce what she decided, as there wouldn’t be much of a book without it. But what you cannot even fathom is the journey that these two will travel throughout the pages of Freed. It wasn’t a journey of drama, and sex filled escapades, fighting and breaking up at every turn. No, it was something far more delicious and mature; it was two souls coming into realizations about themselves and each other in ways neither could have ever dreamed. What I love about Lynetta is that she doesn’t do unnecessary drama with no purpose other than being completely unoriginal. No, if she inserts strife into her books you know without a doubt she has a reason, and it’s true to the story line, and will be like nothing you’ve read before. She doesn’t do it to fit a mold, swiftly moving the pace along like so many others have fallen victim to. She charts her own path and goes where her characters take her. In her world, these characters are living and breathing, and through the creativeness of her mind, she so willingly shares them with us. They take root in your heart to a point that you won’t soon forget them. You simply can’t. But that, folks, is the testament of a crafted story teller.

“I want you, Denver. All the time. Every hour. Every minute, I want your laughter, your tears, your joy, hell, even your pain. I’ve never wanted anything more in my life.”

If you have read my reviews before you know you won’t be receiving a play by play, or as I have termed them, a book report review. What you will received from me, however, is a no holds barred, honest opinion of the story and its author. Because that is the gist of what really matters. Not how it ends. Not what happens in between. Not the highlights of every big event or reveal. It’s about the journey as a whole; a cohesive unit of words that flew so effortlessly onto the page and into my heart.

“I know it. I feel it. I want it. Loving you is so damn easy that it terrifies me. Not loving you, but the fear of losing it because I’m not good enough.”

Long story short, I absolutely adored this book! I felt like from beginning to end, there was a clear path. Where it would take us I didn’t know, but I for sure, like Denver on the bull, was holding on for dear life! I won’t tell you who she ends up with, because in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that she ends up with herself, whole, and ready to take on the world. She faces her demons and really embraces her true self. By doing this, she is able to accept the love of a truly good man wholeheartedly. Their love is a thing of wonder and was a true joy to watch. Still, two weeks later, I have a HUGE smile on my face just thinking about this book. These characters have taken residence in my heart and I think I’ll let them live there forever.

“I go where you go. You are my home.”

[Jennie Wurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 STARS*

I'd been looking forward to Freed by Lynetta Halat for months! Having loved Used (Book #1) so much, I could not wait to see what direction the story was going to take and how situations would be resolved among Denver, Ransom and Greer. So I was thrilled to be given a chance to read this story prior to release, and I am happy to say that it has lived up to my expectations!

Freed is the story of Denver Dempsey and John Ransom's journey to find love and happiness. Yes Greer is still in the picture, and yes at times my heart went out to him, but after what he did to Denver I just could not forgive him. So I was glad to see that this story is primarily focused on Denver and Ransom. It's told in their alternating POVs which I think works beautifully. Both characters are so filled with emotions and feelings and this comes through the pages perfectly as they tell the story. I was able to experience everything that Denver and Ransom feel from joy and happiness, to pain and sadness. Even the characters' fears and insecurities feel so real, I felt like I was right there with them. I love when a book does that to me. While I didn't actually cry while reading Freed, I certainly came close and at times I felt my heart breaking only to have it put back together by love and happiness.

This time around I felt like I really got to know John Ransom a lot better, on a deeper level. His feelings for Denver and his desire to protect her and save her from herself just made me smile. He has his own issues to deal with, and he does, but he knows what he wants, he's determined and he's not about to back down ever. He has a need for control but it is one he doesn't abuse and he knows how to make it work. I enjoyed exploring his mind a bit more this time around. Denver still has her self-loathing, insecurity issues, but she is doing so much better as she learns to gain confidence in herself and in Ransom. While she constantly tries to doubt their relationship and their future together, eventually she learns that sometimes things have a way of working themselves out for the best. She still has to deal with Greer and what becomes of their relationship, but again she has grown stronger. She learns to handle whatever comes her way, in the best way that she can.

And yes, once again there are plenty of steamy scenes throughout the story, which of course are fabulous and hot. There's also plenty of humor, and often among the supporting cast of characters, all of whom I loved and enjoyed getting to know better. Particularly Austin. He's a riot!

Freed is a wonderful love story of two beautiful people who deserve so much love and a chance at happiness. Lynetta Halat has truly done this story justice and has me as a fan for life now. I highly recommend this series and cannot wait to see what's coming next! I'd LOVE to see Austin get his own story; he's just too adorable to keep in the background. Thank you Lynetta for bringing this amazing story to life and keep up the great work!