FMR Book Grind: Freed by Lynetta Halat ~ BLOG TOUR & REVIEW

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?

Freed is the just second book that I have read by Lynetta Halat, Used being the first, but I just cannot get enough of this author. She has such a way with words and an even greater ability to create characters that captivate and steal your heart.

As much as I absolutely loved Used I was a bit wary of Ransom’s revelation and offer at the end. Don't get me wrong, I was definitely Team Ransom and I have loved him from the start but at the time I just couldn't see how his admission fit into the story. Freed has helped me see the light and I ended up absolutely loving the direction of the story and everything along the way that started with Ransom and Denver's arrangement.

I really enjoyed the substantial growth and change that is experienced by Denver, Greer, and even Ransom. These three are completely relatable and totally real. As we learn more about the motivations behind their actions it is easy to see how certain choices were made, paths were followed, and how some things quickly and easily spiraled out of control. Like any one of us, there is always room for improvement and I love that these characters have come so far in such a short time.

Ransom and Denver's relationship was exceptionally refreshing. These are two characters making great strides within themselves as well as in their relationship, being fully committed to one another, and taking their relationship serious enough to have full disclosure from the very start. They agree to tell each other the truth no matter what and engage in open and honest communication at all times. I loved that this relationship was extremely mature and sincere and that the complications these two faced resulted from outside influences and not from a problem with the relationship itself.

The fact that Ransom still had a surprise or two up his sleeve was entirely unexpected and delightfully shocking. I love to be surprised, whether it is good or bad. I was stunned in Used and astonished in Freed. Used tore me apart while Freed helped me pick up the pieces.

There are so many great characters in this story. I simply cannot get enough of Austin. He is totally inappropriate and absolutely hilarious but he is also fiercely loyal and protective and an all around great guy. While the introduction of Stone has certainly piqued my interest.

Freed has a little bit of everything; cowboys, BDSM, romance, intimacy, a bit of jealousy, and a healthy dose of self-discovery. I can only hope there will be much more to come from this series as I would really love to explore Austin's burgeoning story but I would settle for anything Lynetta Halat has to offer as I have definitely become a big fan.

Review by Michelle

4.5 Stars

Since the dawn of time, Lynetta Halat has lived to read and has written innumerable stories and plays. A lover of good books, bad boys, and kickass tunes, she'd always dreamt of penning books that people could connect with and remember. She also has a secret penchant for wringing the emotions out of unsuspecting readers, and she collects reader's tears in much the same way that wine connoisseurs collect their favorite vintage. Her first novel, Every Rose, was the perfect catalyst to launch her into the world of publishing, effectively burrowing her way into the hearts and minds of readers throughout the world. Everything I've Never Had was her follow-up adult romance novel. Now, she has penned Used, a New Adult Romance that she hopes sinks its teeth into you and doesn't let go.

Her love of the English language prompted her to pursue a Master's degree in English from Old Dominion University in Virginia, where she also minored in snark and interpretive dance. She lives somewhere along the Mississippi Gulf Coast with her adorable husband, two amazing sons, and two loveable dogs. When she's not writing riveting stories, she likes to focus on her macramé art and her scouring of eBay, where she buys locks of hair from her favorite rock stars, most especially Bret Michaels and Dave Grohl.