Review: 3.5 Stars
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 02 5, 2014
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*Denver hopes to make a new start in a new town, away from her reputation. One that's no quite true but it's easier for people to believe the rumours rather than the person. But Denver can't shed who she truly is for long as her best friend and former friend with benefits, Greer turns up to declare what they have is far from over. Throw in a sexy bull rider called Ransom and you have yourself a love triangle.I loved the background of each of the characters, the cattle roping, bull riding and barrel racing (I had to Google that one) was interesting and unique as I clearly hadn't heard of it before. I loved the setting to the story and thought it added a new dimension to the usual New Adult read. And picturing sexy cowboys wasn't too bad either ;-)Denver was one tough cookie to crack. And I think readers will either get her or not. I've read about tough girls before, and they can seem cold and aloof but as long as you can see a chink in their armour or grasp their vulnerability then they have the reader on side. Denver didn't have me quite convinced, her self-depreciation was a bit of a downer, especially as I knew it not to be true so it did get a little repetitive at times and I wanted to give her a good shake. That's just how I felt, like I said you're either going to be for her or against her.The bulk of the story focused on Denver and Greer's relationship, some of it was told via flashbacks and that allowed me to experience how their relationship began. This part worked well as it strengthened their characters. I did find it odd that Ransom's POV was mixed in at this part, he felt like an extra at that point and I felt we would have gained more if Greer had his say. It wasn't until 65% when Ransom's character came in to play, up until then he was aloof and brooding and it was only when his caring side came out that my interest was piqued, so I wish this was shown sooner. I think it would have made for a more interesting story if we got all three point of views, as this was one messed up triangle and everyone had secrets and agendas.I struggled to feel a connection between Denver and either of her love interests, but she didn't love herself therefore how could she love anyone else. Her relationship with Greer started off pure until the lines were blurred and then it was a big ol' mess of feelings and heartache. And her relationship with Ransom was halted due to the circumstances. The situation that transpired between Greer and Denver was a huge ball of angst and left my mind boggling. My feelings and opinions were all over the place, this wasn't a bad thing, it was definitely thought provoking. I had one little niggle, Ransom being as smart as he was didn't put two and two together and question why Denver went to living in Greer's pocket to not speaking to him at all. I expected him to question this.Lynetta Halat's writing pulls you in, no matter that I wasn't 100% in love with the characters, I still needed to know their story and there was so much drama and angst going on, it was like a train wreck I couldn't look away from. I have no doubt fans of gritty love triangles will devour this book and be held captive by Lynetta's words, it is a crazy ride like no other.Used definitely had a lot going on for sure, Denver was trying to discover who she was, with and without Greer. Ransom stirred up feelings she felt she had no right to want and then at the end Ransom dropped at bombshell that could lead Denver down a very interesting path. I actually felt this revelation seemed out of place, as that part of Ransom's character wasn't hinted at and I hope it doesn't turn the series from something different into 'one of those books'. I'm hoping the author can continue to put her own flair on it. Also if this avenue is explored properly and in depth, it then comes away from the New Adult genre therefore, I'm not sure which direction the next book will take.If you like your romances messed up, mind boggling and plain angsty then you will love Used. It will take you on a nail biting journey and leave you feeling well and truly used by the end and unsure of who you are rooting for. ~Ava