Title: Used
Author: Lynetta Halat
First published January 19, 2014
275 pages, Paperback
Rating: 3.91
Overview
I’ve always been the girl who knows how to have a good time. No shame in that.
But when it comes to the men in my life, things aren’t so simple. Ransom is known for being a player, but I might just be the one to change him.
He’s the one I want to protect, the one I want to keep. Greer, on the other hand, is the perpetual one-night stand that I can’t seem to shake.
I’m stuck in this small Montana town, suffocating under the weight of my reputation. But when college offers me a chance to start fresh, I take it.
Little did I know, my past would follow me there. With Ransom’s sudden coldness and Greer’s second chance, I’m left wondering if I’ll ever be able to break free from the ghosts of my past.
About the Author
Lynetta Halat has been passionate about reading and writing since she was a young girl. By day, she is a teacher, but at night she immerses herself in books and writing.
Her dream has always been to write books that resonate with readers, and her debut novel Every Rose is the perfect springboard to launch her into the publishing world. Lynetta’s love for the English language motivated her to pursue a master’s degree in English from Old Dominion University in Virginia.
She lives in Mississippi with her husband, two sons, and two dogs whom she adores. Currently, Lynetta is working on her second book.
Editoral Review
Used by Lynetta Halat: A Tale of Redemption and Healing
Lynetta Halat’s Used is a powerful novel that emotionally and intellectually engages its readers from start to finish. Published on January 19, 2014, the book is a romantic contemporary fiction that explores the themes of loss, heartache, abuse, redemption, and healing.
Used is Halat’s debut novel, but the quality of her writing and storytelling abilities suggest that more splendid books are to come from her pen. Used follows the journey of Daniel and Aryn, two complicated and troubled characters with dark pasts.
Daniel, a wounded war veteran, has been battling with PTSD and addiction. Aryn, a recovering drug addict, is struggling to rebuild her life after her marriage has disintegrated.
The two cross paths when Aryn is assigned to be Daniel’s counselor, guiding him at the rehab center where he is undergoing treatment. Their relationship starts off as a client-counselor one, but as they share pieces of their stories with each other, it evolves into a profound friendship and eventually a romantic one.
Used takes the reader on a journey through the ups and downs of their relationship, as they navigate their way through the obstacles of their pasts to a brighter future. Halat’s writing style is clear, concise, and melodious.
She captures the essence of her characters in a way that endears them to the reader. The pacing of the book is steady, immersing the reader into the story and creating an emotional connection that stays with them long after they finish reading.
One of the strengths of Used is the way that Halat tackles sensitive issues such as PTSD, addiction, and recovery. She does it with accuracy, compassion, and respect for the individuals and families who experience these challenges daily.
Her characters are realistic, nuanced, and relatable, making their struggles and triumphs all the more significant. While Halat’s writing is superb, there were a few minor flaws in the book.
One of these is the over-reliance on character internal monologues to convey their emotions and perspectives. At times, it made the story feel a bit repetitive and predictable.
Additionally, the backstory of some of the minor characters was not fully developed, leaving some of their actions feeling too sudden and abrupt. Overall, Used is a captivating and emotional story that is highly recommended for readers who enjoy romantic contemporary fiction.
The book’s themes of recovery, redemption, and healing are timely and relevant in today’s world, and Halat handles them with sensitivity and grace. In conclusion, Used by Lynetta Halat is an excellent debut novel that showcases the author’s impressive storytelling skills.
The book’s strengths far outweigh its minor shortcomings, making it an enjoyable and poignant read. The Washington Post gives this book an A.
