Rhys Cole’s life has always revolved around hockey. Growing up, he knew he’d play in the National Hockey League, but when his dream of being drafted didn’t happen, he chose the next best thing: becoming a hockey sportscaster for a local sports station. But just like in sports, you win some, you lose some. When Rhys discovers his girlfriend cheating with a stranger in his bed, he walks to the local bar down the street to let off some steam.
After moving her way up the journalism field by covering stories in extreme weather conditions and working late hours, Ashtyn Valor is now the lead anchor for the nightly news. Finally settled into her career, Ashtyn is ready to take the next step in life with her boyfriend. But when he unexpectedly breaks up with her, Ashtyn decides to numb the pain with alcohol at the closest bar.
Rhys and Ashtyn both expected an evening of alcohol to mask the pain of that October night. What they didn’t expect was meeting someone who could shield them from the darkness of their heartaches.
Or that their pasts would dangerously intertwine …
When obsession becomes dangerous, Ashtyn turns to Rhys for safety. But how safe are they really?
Kimberly Knight is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in the Central Valley of California with her loving husband, who is a great research assistant, and young daughter, who keeps Kimberly on her toes. Kimberly writes in a variety of genres, including romantic suspense, contemporary romance, erotic romance, and paranormal romance. Her books will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and fall in love before she throws you curve balls you never see coming.
When Kimberly isn’t writing, you can find her watching her favorite reality TV shows, including cooking competitions, binge-watching true crime documentaries, and going to San Francisco Giants games. She’s also a two-time desmoid tumor/cancer fighter, which has made her stronger and an inspiration to her fans.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a sexy, romantic, and downright adorable contemporary! It is such a delightful mix of humor, hockey, and hotness! And even though this is so swoon-worthy, it also talks about a lot of tough topics, like bullying and stalking and how it will always be easier for a girl to turn down a guy by saying she has a boyfriend, than just by saying no.
Use Me is set in Chicago, and stars two very different news anchors whose paths cross by complete fate. Another thing I really loved about this book is that the main protagonists are both into their 30s and it’s completely normalized that they had fun and focused on their careers in their 20s, and do not feel shame for not having children yet. Yet, both are thinking about marriage, for very different reasons.
➽ Ashtyn - In love with journalism! She now is the lead news anchor for her local nightly news station and is super popular among the community! She has a very bright future ahead of her.
➽ Rhys - Hockey obsessed! Has played his whole life, but didn’t make it pro. So, he did the next best thing and became somewhat famous for being the local hockey sportscaster.
And (*Yellowcard’s best song*) one October night, after both of these two have had their relationships ended right before their eyes, they decide to do what a lot of people would probably do: try to drink it away at the local pub.
The romance in this is so good. It starts out a 50/50 mix of relationship of convenience and just a blatant fake relationship, both of which are tropes that I utterly love. And it was beyond heartwarming to see these two slowly, but surely, realize that maybe there was a little something more there.
You all, this was so adorable. I swear, I had a smile on my face for most of this book. But, like I said above, it does touch on some super dark, but important topics that I actually wish I saw more of in the romance genre. Stalking happens way more than you think, and you don’t have to be a famous movie star to have it happen to you. I loved the normalization and I really respect Kimberly for taking her story there. This is for sure a romantic contemporary, but there is a constant thriller mystery going on, too.
The only negative thing I will really say is that sometimes the situations felt a little over the top for me. I totally understand that this is a book, so I am not that harsh of a judge when it comes to realisticness, but some of the things that went on were still a little much for me. Plus, there were a few homophobic terms that the villain used a few times that I really hated. Trigger/Content warnings: homophobic comments and slurs, cheating (always in a negative light), stalking, bullying, attempted rape (Rohypnol), and I suppose a little violence, but nothing too graphic.
Overall, this was such a delightful read that I absolutely adored! Seriously, if you guys are in a romantic mood for something that’s maybe a little on the naughty side, please pick this up! This was beautifully written, I couldn’t help but fall in love with both of these characters, the story was absolutely addictive, and the mystery was completely captivating. I’m so happy I was able to read this wonderful story!
I’ve never read Kimberly Knight before, but I knew as soon as I read the blurb for this it was something I needed to rectify and Use Me was exactly how I love them—romantic and sexy with a nice helping of drama to add depth and keep you on your toes, yet at the same time doesn’t feel too heavily laden with tension and angst.
The start of this story is one that‘s fairly familiar—two strangers meet in a bar, drowning their sorrows after the unexpected demise of their relationships—but it’s what happens after hockey sportscaster, Rhys Cole uses the same line as this book is entitled on news anchor, Ashtyn Valor that makes it the story it is, grabbing hold tight and not letting go and it quickly becomes evident that they have something special building.
I wanted to be her everything.”
I literally read this in one sitting and quickly fell in love with Ashtyn and Rhys as their relationship blossoms. They felt real and relatable and I adored how they just rolled with it and with no scrimping on the heat, together they sizzle whilst also bringing sweeter tender moments, moments that make you laugh, frustrate you, and those which leave your heart in your throat as life throws curveballs their way.
Today and every day, I think about how lucky I am that last year we both thought alcohol was the answer.”
I don’t like saying a book is more than you expected when you’ve never read an author before because I never go in with any expectations other than hoping to discover a memorable read, but the path Kimberly Knight took this story and the way she incorporated the suspense and surprises whilst never taking the shine off this couple’s romance does bring that more and Use Me was an impressive introduction to her writing.
Copy received courtesy of Inkslinger PR for an honest and unbiased opinion. Stock Image.
Preguicinha básica de domingo atacou pra escrever resenha agora. Rs Mas só queria deixar registrado que adoreeeeeiiiiiii USE ME da Kimberly Knight. A Ashtyn é aquela personagem feminina que eu curto, super forte. E eu quero Rhys pra mim!!!!!!! Amei ele. 😍 Adorei a história, o romance gradativo. Senti mesmo que era amor ali. Só achei o final muito rápido, mas nada que atrapalhe a história. Super recomendo.
PS: eu li a versão em inglês. Achei que ia dar tempo de ler antes de chegar ao Brasil, mas não deu. 😜 Mas o ebook com o nome de USE-ME foi lançado no Brasil essa semana pela The Gift Box e está disponível também no Kindle Unlimited. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ I finished it last night and I love it. It was my first read of Author Kimberly Knight and I enjoyed a lot. Ashtyn is that kind of heroine I love: really strong. And I want Rhys all for myself. I loved him! I loved the story and that it wasn't an insta-love kinda of romance. I really love the way things happened. I just think the end was a little bit rush. But it was a good book. 😍
OTT romance is just not my thing and this book is about as over. the. top. as it gets. Everything from the dialogue to the characters to the plot itself felt incredibly contrived, so unrealistic, and, to be really honest, cheesy.
For characters who were supposed to be professionals in their 30s, they acted and spoke like college students most of the time. They were all over the place. These are characters who had a lengthy conversation about how "famous" they both were and how many Emmys they'd each won, when they were actually relatively obscure local news reporters. The drama they each had with their exes, the stalkers and the craziness... It was just all over the place.
I had no real connection to this story if I'm being honest. While I didn't mind the two main characters so much, everything about their story was just soooooo contrived. There's too many coincidences running through the plot and it just didn't work for me. I'm a reader that wants to relate to the characters, or at the very least, believe them. I prefer a believability even in my fiction and this felt forced. I never for a second believed that ALL OF THIS could happen inside of one year. I rolled my eyes at the way these characters reacted to a lot of situations. (When your girlfriend was just ethered by a stalker, do you encourage her to knock back some whiskey? I'm confused.) It was just too much. It was like throwing everything against the wall just to see what would stick. And for me, nothing stuck. For me, it lacked emotion and I just couldn't find a connection with the story at all. I was watching it all play out but I never felt emotionally invested in any of it.
You might be wondering why I even finished then. Well I'm that weird reader who rarely dnfs books. I pushed on hoping I'd connect at some point, or at least be able to review it fairly knowing I'd read it in its entirety. I read the whole thing and I just... I dont know. It just did not work for me.
This book was good. Two people who recently ended a relationship in a crappy way, USE each other for forgetting their exes. Problem, or maybe not really a problem, is that they start to feel more than just using each other. Someone recommended this as a friends with benefits to more read. And it defiantly fits that. I does have a ton of drama/angst in it. It’s probably at a soap opera level, and I can handle that, but it felt like once one issue was resolved another one would show up. It was just a bit much. That’s my only complaint though. Other than that it was a good read, so if you’re looking for friends with benefits to lovers and are fine with a bit of extra drama, then you’ll enjoy Use Me!
My new book boyfriend!!! I received this book in exchange for an honest review. When you download this book on your e-reader plan on sitting their until the book is done! The only reason I didn't was because my students would have HATED me the next morning. The twists and turns of this book keep you totally engaged until the very last page. You will be sad when you finish the book and realize their is no more... I don't want to spoil anything so I will leave my review at that!!! The heat coming off the pages is just an added bonus!!!
I'm not generally enthusiastic about romances because they all tend to follow the same series of events with only minor details changed. But I was pleased to see that Use Me not only threw out many of the common romance cliches, but also changed up the flow of the story, putting one of the most climactic scenes right in the middle of the book instead of at the end. The change up worked for me and I actually ended up liking this book many times more than I would normally like an erotic romance.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
It has been a while since I have read a Kimberly Knight book, and what a great way to get back into them.
Use Me, right from the start, has quickly become a favourite of her books for me.
Rhys and Ashtyn's story is smart and sexy. I love that they are both successful in their fields and that they feel equal (none of this simpering woman wondering why he wants her). There is a delicious push/pull between them that I couldn't help but adore. Neither are looking for a relationship, but that doesn't mean a relationship doesn't have plans for them!
There is also some mystery and suspense throughout the story, just waiting to play out for all to see.
The drama wasn't OTT, and wasn't there just for the sake of it. Our lovelies had their ups and downs (yes, those ones as well lol) but I loved how they reacted and resolved things - like adults!
There were a couple of twists that the reader could see coming, however getting taken along for the ride as things unfold was great.
I really did like Use Me, and can't wait to see what Ms Knight brings us next.
Rhys and Ashtyn...were do I begin? Their story is one that hits deep. We all either know someone that has had a cheating boyfriend/girlfriend or have gone through it ourselves. The feelings you get while reading Use Me are real.
Having just been dumped Ashtyn decides to go drown her sorrows. Rhys literally just walked in on his girlfriend in the midst of cheating on him in his own bed. He leaves and goes to the bar to have a few drinks. Who knew that two complete strangers drowning their sorrows in the same bar would be the start of a beautiful story! I loved the I initial meeting between Rhys and Ashtyn in the bar. It was such an easy interaction between them. You just knew that whatever relationship they developed was going to be a solid one. No one could have prepared me for how their pasts were intertwined though. Blew my mind!
Use Me is extremely well written. There’s the perfect amount of background information about each character to make the story well founded. The relationship between Rhys and Ashtyn grows and changes throughout the first half of the story. The second half they are challenged and confronted with their past. A past that is determined to stop their happiness at any cost. The question is will they succeed?
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I read Use Me again last night when it hit my Kindle. It was even better the second time around. Can I rate it twice? Don't miss out!!!! Check out Use Me today.
WoW!!! What an exciting nail biter and fun romance all wrapped up in one amazing book. Two bad break ups, a couple of drinks and a bad pick up line result in Rhys Cole telling Ashtyn Valor, "Use Me."
This review has been very challenging to write. I put something down and then realize SPOILER and delete. I want to say "wait until you read about........"and then realize you just have to read it. I There are so many things that blew my mind. There are so many things that will shock you.
During all the ugly, during all the of the suspense, during all of the terrible things a beautiful love blossoms. This story became a beautiful statement of the strength of love.
If and when I figure out how to tell you about this beyond amazing book without spoilers I will add to this review. But at this point I have to say this is an amazing story. It will have you jumping out of your seat. It will be biting your nails. It will have you totally swooning over Rhys. It will be hard to put down.
You know what's the most famous line about the first kiss? Yeah, that one. You'll never forget your first kiss. But if that kiss is with a.... perfect (dead drop gorgeous) stranger? It's even harder to forget, isn't it? Rhys and Ash's begins just like that. And that first kiss is like a sublime chocolate. Once you taste it you can do less. And what a chocolate.... But chocolate is a famous heartbreak cure, and that's the first intention, there. But well, the attraction is so intense, "starving"and so explosive that it will change their initial plans. Use me.... anytime is what Runs offers to Ash. Could you resist to such a temptation/invitation? Their story is made by steamy "fireworks", addiction, sense of humor, complicity,( a very sexy complicity), and a bit of....drama. But the story is absolutely FANTASTIC. I loved it from the first page and it kept me there, captivating and intriguing me as the pages of their love story rolled on. I didn't think this story will be so good and so hillarious, because it was my first by this author. But like I said in the beginning the first time is never forgotten. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I mean rollercoaster! One minute I was laughing, another crying, one scared and one dancing around singing “I knew it, it knew it, I knew it!” This one took me for a ride and I did not want to get off when the ride came to a stop.
Use Me starts out with a sort of friends with benefits thing going on but that never works out! So Ashtyn and Rhys have to navigate breakups, stalkers, crazy ex’s and also new found love. When I say that I could not put this book down, I mean it. I was gripped by the first sentence and was on a thrill ride until the end of the book! Talk about book hangover!
Not your normal take on a hockey romance and I really enjoyed and appreciated the spin.
The writing was beautifully done, the characters were well thought out and developed and the protagonists were engaging and lovable. Overall, this was a win for me and I cannot wait to read more!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.
I enjoyed Use Me thoroughly! Rhys and Ashtyn are the epitome of relationship goals, which was surprising considering that their relationship began as something purely physical while they served as each others' rebounds. The plot relied a lot on coincidences, but not in a way that was unrealistic or annoying - it was just an example of how the world can be really be a small place. The feelings between the characters as their relationship grew were real and sweet, the sex was hot and intense, and there was a lot more action and suspense than I expected and I was so there for it. This was my first Kimberly Knight book and I look forward to seeing what she puts out next, especially considering that with the groundwork for a series was laid here with all the wonderful secondary characters she introduced us to. 4 out of 5 wine glasses.
I really enjoyed our couple. Rhys and Ashtyn are both in television--the news, not shows where acting is a thing.
Yet, they've never met. At least, not until they find themselves single and trying to drown their sorrows at the bottom of a bottle at the local bar.
And from that point on, our characters are sweet and cute and so much fun. They are perfect for each other.
The problem isn't within themselves. The problems are with other people. Both of their exes suck. Seriously suck. Hard core. Like, I wanted to punch them both in their stupid cheating faces. And then there are some other crazy, twisted outside forces working against Rhys and Ash.
This is a low angst book. Not really insta-love, but they do move quickly. When you know, you know, right?!
I just a love a book that the moment you pick it up and start reading, you know this is going to be a great book. Use Me is the kind of book you recommend to all your friends. This was the first read from Kimberly and trust me, I have pick up more of her books.
Use Me is captivating. It is heart stopper. You will keep turning the page wanting and needing more. A chance encounter has Rhys and Ashtyn meeting when their love lives are falling apart. Who would know a "fake-boyfriend" could possibly turn into something more. Use Me has you on a roller coaster of what is going to happen next with some crazy thrown in the middle.
This is a book you need on your kindle asap. This is a fabulous one click you will not regret.
I floved this book! Every book that Kimberly has written shows the great care she takes to formulate each and every character in the story. Each character is the right amount of strong, smart and sexy. What does two broken hearts do when Fate intervenes with them? Both the hero and heroine both have problems but decide to be there for one another if either of them runs into their ex’s. I can say I will never look at a certain pastry the same way ever again thanks for that Kimberly Knight!
use me was an enthralling read that kept me engaged with it's story, I devoured this book within 2 days. rhys and ashtyn were so great together and they really worked! I was on the edge of my seat anticipating what was going to happen. I volunteered to read a copy of this book
Well, that was an ok romantic suspense. There were funny and adorble moments and sexy moments and some exciting and suspensy moments. But there was also a lot of weird stuff. I wish another editor would've gone through the story. BUT - I liked it. I liked Rhys and his Cupcake and all the friends and family. I also wouldn't mind seeing it on tv one day.
This was a story of two individuals who meet at the right time . It was a great love story that had a lot of steamy times and there was also some suspense thrown in there. The suspense kept me on my toes not knowing what or when something was going to happen. Great read !!!
There's really a lot to like about this story. Good pacing, strong characters and a decent story line. If anything, there's perhaps a little TOO much going on, with the drama not just focussed on one character. Just when you think the crisis has passed, there is another one around the corner.
Nevertheless, this was one of those books that just keeps you engrossed until the very last page. Very enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I really liked this book. I didn't expect to like it that much, to be honest, because, within the first few pages I found out the characters were 33/34. Usually, I tend to stray away from books with characters in their thirties. Subconsciously, of course. I think it's because I know I won't be able to relate to them.
However, like I said, I really enjoyed this. From the first few chapters I was engrossed and already feeling for these characters. They both have asshole-ish partners who they break up with but, without them, they wouldn't have ended up in the bar and met each other. To be honest, if I could have talked to the characters, I would've told their partners to cop on and act their age. I mean, they were both with their partners for their jobs. Is that really the behaviour of a thirty-something year old? Ridiculous, they acted like kids.
Rhys (not going to lie, this isn't a common name for me and, although I know it's pronounced like "Reece", I say "rice" in my head every time) and Ashtyn were quite likeable, relatable (even though they're way older than me), fun characters. The fact that they were relatable to me could be a negative thing for some people who may say they didn't seem or act their age. As I said before, I don't read books with characters this age so I wouldn't know. But, I will say, I think they're right. I don't really mind that much though.
The story was sweet and very enjoyable to read. It's one of my favourite tropes to read. They both started out with a fake relationship and of course, the lines slowly started to blur. I really enjoyed this one and would definitely read more from this author.
I got this book for an honest review. Ashtyn a very good looking news anchor.. And a very full hearted lover. When she loved she loved full heartedly. She just got out of a relationship that she thought was going well. Until she learned that he was just using her for her looks. Rhys was a sports reporter. He was just so happy. To get the night off because a game got cancelled. But when he went home he found his girlfriend of 2 years not only cheating on him but also in his bed with another man. He broke it off with her and told her to get her stuff and get out before be got back. Rhys went to a local bar where he just ran into Ashtyn. They knew about each other but to say there life never crossed was a fair statment this book was such an amazing read that was not, sexy and kept me on my toes. These 2 experience a lot of things that some will hopefully never have to do. But one thing for sure. They definitely use one another to overcome there past. I hope you will take the time to read this book because it was such an amazing book. Kimberly did an amazing job with this book
I loved Use Me! Ashtyn and Rhys are two heartbroken people who meet at a bar. Both being local "celebrities" on the news, they know of each other. They decide to use each other to get over their heartbreak. No strings and casual. One of my favorite things about this book was the friendship that developed between the two. They had no expectations, but the draw to each other was strong.
Overall, Use Me was a read peppered with all the feels. I was laughing at times, and anxiously keeping myself from reading ahead. I was obsessed with finding out how their story would turn out. They both had outside forces working against them. The plot was paced well and engaging, the characters were developed and easy to love. I would recommend this to the reader looking for an emotional love story.
When a book makes you want to read instead of sleep and fight with yourself because you are not reading fast enough to see what happens, this is what Kimberly Knight’s books do to me. Every Single Book has gripped me from start to finish and Use Me was no different.
A Gripping Intense Story with plenty of page turning drama dripping with hotness and so much Sexiness.
Two bad Break up’s, and a few drinks later, Rhys and Ashtyn decide to ‘Use’ each other to forget the pain and with that comes an off the charts wanna rip each other’s clothes off chemistry that sizzles with every turn of the page.
Kimberly’s writing is always so beautifully written and there is no subject or situation that she can’t write or deal with beautifully. She is one half of my Two ultimate favourite authors and I can’t believe I get to see her in a few weeks.
What started out as one of the worse nights in their romantic lives turned into the best thing ever. When Ashtyn and Rhys each decided to drown their sorrows at the same bar they had no clue this chance encounter would turn their lives around. Ashtyn only needed Rhys to be her pretend boyfriend to ward off some guy (who comes back later ) he tells her to get over someone you need to get under someone else. When circumstances bring people from their past back they have to fight for their love and their lives. Just when you think things have gotten as bad as they can Kimberly throws another curve into the story and you are left biting your nails again. A romantic suspense that will take you through the good and bad times and everything in between
Hot damn!! Kimberly Knight has done it again. She's written a great story that has lots of sizzle, with the right amount of suspense. There's lots of steamy sexy scenes, a couple of crazy exes, and a stalker. Mix it all together, and it becomes this great story. Rhys and Ashtyn meet at a bar one fateful night, and even with all the bad stuff that happens, they endure and become a great couple. Once they realize that they've fallen for each other anyway. Five stars, hands down. *I read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
Kimberly Knight does it again with her latest book, Use Me. If you like hot, steamy, keep you on the edge of your seat kind of read, then you’ll want to read this book. Just when you think you’ve got the story figured out, she throws in twists that will blow your mind. Don't miss out on getting to know Rhys and Ashtyn.