Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
72nd out of 503 books
—
295 voters
Throwaway
by
Heather Huffman (Goodreads Author)
When society deemed Jessie a throwaway, she didn't let it stop her from finding the sunshine in her world... But that world is threatened when she finds herself undeniably drawn to the mischievous glint in the eyes of a man unlike any she's ever met before. What starts as a simple crush will lead them both on a journey they could never have anticipated. From a vibrant St....more
Paperback, 274 pages
Published
July 8th 2010
by Lulu.com
(first published July 1st 2010)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
85th out of 204 books
—
269 voters
More lists with this book...
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
3,000)
This was a quick but enjoyable read, with interesting characters, action sequences, references to the legends surrounding a figure from the Old West, and redemption. The female lead inspired respect and admiration and the story itself shone a light on subjects many people avoid - prostitution, human trafficking and slavery, and organized crime. But the author, Mrs. Huffman, didn't treat the dark topics as mires in which to wallow, nor did she glorify them. I thought she did a good job of showing...more
9 likes · like · see review
view all 4 comments
I read this book because it had good reviews; however, I cannot rate it as well.
The main character, Jessie, is introduced as a prostitute wanting freedom from her pimp Spence. She has been with Spence since she was released from the foster care system,mainly because she feels she has no where to go. Jessie lacks confidence and feels that she is her title "Whore."
She meets a cop who is trying to gather information about Spence's Mofia connections. Huffman portrays Jessie and Gabe's love as "...more
The main character, Jessie, is introduced as a prostitute wanting freedom from her pimp Spence. She has been with Spence since she was released from the foster care system,mainly because she feels she has no where to go. Jessie lacks confidence and feels that she is her title "Whore."
She meets a cop who is trying to gather information about Spence's Mofia connections. Huffman portrays Jessie and Gabe's love as "...more
2 likes · like · see review
I really didn't think I would like this book when I began reading it. It was free from B&N for the Nook and had decent reviews, so I figured I'd give it a shot.
The character development wasn't great, the story moved fast, lacked substance and was pretty predictable. Having said that, I did like reading it and wouldn't steer you away from it IF you just wanted something to read to kill time. It's not the kind of book you read more than once, but I don't feel like I wasted time reading it. I...more
The character development wasn't great, the story moved fast, lacked substance and was pretty predictable. Having said that, I did like reading it and wouldn't steer you away from it IF you just wanted something to read to kill time. It's not the kind of book you read more than once, but I don't feel like I wasted time reading it. I...more
4 likes · like · see review
I read this book as I was interested in Heather Huffman's charity work, and this book was recommended.
It's an enjoyable and quick read, despite the fact that it discusses the harsh reality of those less unfortunate - subject to human trafficking, prostitution and organized crime, as it gracefully illuminates the reader to their world without it seeming too harsh or traumatic. To Heather Huffman's characters, it's a way of life they've adapted to and accepted without being given too much of a cho...more
It's an enjoyable and quick read, despite the fact that it discusses the harsh reality of those less unfortunate - subject to human trafficking, prostitution and organized crime, as it gracefully illuminates the reader to their world without it seeming too harsh or traumatic. To Heather Huffman's characters, it's a way of life they've adapted to and accepted without being given too much of a cho...more
Nice idea but badly executed. Human trafficking is portrayed very primitevely and unrealisticaly. Being able to stash away so much money and on top not having it stolen(from under a matress!) over fourteen years is ridiculous. And what more this girl had so much free time and liberty of movement. Having a night or two off in a week, usually it is more like four or five days in a month. So she worked all night and then she went to yoga in the morning... really? When did she sleep? Having survived...more
I was hoping I would like this book - it got so many good reviews. In the end, I wasn't blown away.
I liked how it personalized the prostitutes in the story line (including the main character Jesse). You have to think - they are people too and normally you just think of them in tight dresses getting picked up by cops in Law and Order or smoking crack behind the dumpster. (Or maybe that is just me....or too many episodes of Intervention.) I found it interesting to hear about them working out and...more
I liked how it personalized the prostitutes in the story line (including the main character Jesse). You have to think - they are people too and normally you just think of them in tight dresses getting picked up by cops in Law and Order or smoking crack behind the dumpster. (Or maybe that is just me....or too many episodes of Intervention.) I found it interesting to hear about them working out and...more
Afraid that I might be subjecting myself to a “Pretty Woman” spinoff; I reluctantly downloaded this book for a free read and was pleasantly surprised.
Sure, there is some predictability, but overall, I felt the story was well written with believable characters. Protagonist Jessie is a strong character who has distinct taste and doesn’t make excuses for her lifestyle. Despite associations which accompany her profession as a prostitute, she has good morals and cares for other human beings.
The unlik...more
Sure, there is some predictability, but overall, I felt the story was well written with believable characters. Protagonist Jessie is a strong character who has distinct taste and doesn’t make excuses for her lifestyle. Despite associations which accompany her profession as a prostitute, she has good morals and cares for other human beings.
The unlik...more
There were some things I liked about "Throwaway," but I only rated it as OK. I cared about the main characters and the issue of "throwaways" such as teens who are thrown out of the foster system upon turning eighteen. It's true that many of these foster care kids have no where to go and do not have strong-enough support systems to make it on their own. In this novel, Jesse is a prostitute with a pimp, yet the author's characterization of her seems simplistically shallow and unrealistic. A girl w...more
I saw two ways this book could go when I got it free off Amazon from my kindle.. It was either going to be
a very sappy love story or a dark, gritty survival novel for Jessie. I'd say it was more towards the sappy
side.
I enjoyed Jessie's character. She was sassy and likeable and I felt myself hoping for the best for her.
I tried to ignore the very unrealistic untouched, undiseased, not addicted 30 year old street walker part that
does yoga all the time. (Ok it would be easier to swallow if Jessie ha...more
a very sappy love story or a dark, gritty survival novel for Jessie. I'd say it was more towards the sappy
side.
I enjoyed Jessie's character. She was sassy and likeable and I felt myself hoping for the best for her.
I tried to ignore the very unrealistic untouched, undiseased, not addicted 30 year old street walker part that
does yoga all the time. (Ok it would be easier to swallow if Jessie ha...more
I was completely surprised by how much I enjoyed this book.
The coolest part: the heroine saves herself. That's not usually a given in a romantic suspense novel. (I don't think this book neatly fits into the romantic suspense genre--it's first-person POV, and the heroine's journey is the most important aspect of the story--but the suspense is the major aspect of the external plot.) Usually in RS, if there's a burly military cop guy hero, he's usually doing the action hero stuff. Not so in this st...more
The coolest part: the heroine saves herself. That's not usually a given in a romantic suspense novel. (I don't think this book neatly fits into the romantic suspense genre--it's first-person POV, and the heroine's journey is the most important aspect of the story--but the suspense is the major aspect of the external plot.) Usually in RS, if there's a burly military cop guy hero, he's usually doing the action hero stuff. Not so in this st...more
I downloaded this book as a freebie (special offer) based on the Amazon synopsis of Jessie Jones, a prostitute under the control of a pimp, Spence, who meets undercover cop Gabe who gives her an idea of a different future.
Heather Huffman wrote this book to throw a spotlight on the "Throwaway" teens who are abandoned by the foster care system at 18 to somehow try to make their own way in the world.
I found Jessie to be loveable character - she doesn't apologise for her profession, feeling that sh...more
Heather Huffman wrote this book to throw a spotlight on the "Throwaway" teens who are abandoned by the foster care system at 18 to somehow try to make their own way in the world.
I found Jessie to be loveable character - she doesn't apologise for her profession, feeling that sh...more
This was a free Kindle book, and I was somewhat interested by the description, so I downloaded. However, the description failed to mention that the main character, Jessie, is a prostitute. I was definitely taken aback at first, but even though the book deals with prostitution, it does so in a mostly clean, discrete way. I enjoyed some of the banter between Jessie and Gabe (the cop that inevitably becomes Jessie's love interest), and I was rooting for Jessie to escape her life of prostitution. I...more
I'm copying another reader's reveiw of this book, because it really says the same thing that I feel about this book too.
"I really didn't think I would like this book when I began reading it. It was free from B&N for the Nook and had decent reviews, so I figured I'd give it a shot.
The character development wasn't great, the story moved fast, lacked substance and was pretty predictable. Having said that, I did like reading it and wouldn't steer you away from it IF you just wanted something to...more
"I really didn't think I would like this book when I began reading it. It was free from B&N for the Nook and had decent reviews, so I figured I'd give it a shot.
The character development wasn't great, the story moved fast, lacked substance and was pretty predictable. Having said that, I did like reading it and wouldn't steer you away from it IF you just wanted something to...more
Color me amazed. This book has a well-developed plot and characters, a great background settings, some history and a strong heroine. It's told in 3rd person POV but from the eyes of the main character.
It's not often that I come across a romance-suspense novel that has me captivated from the start. Our heroine, Jessie, is a working girl in St. Louis, in the clutches of her pimp with no hopes of ever getting out of her enslavement. She knows this and still maintains a kind heart and a positive sp...more
It's not often that I come across a romance-suspense novel that has me captivated from the start. Our heroine, Jessie, is a working girl in St. Louis, in the clutches of her pimp with no hopes of ever getting out of her enslavement. She knows this and still maintains a kind heart and a positive sp...more
4 likes · like · see review
I read Throwaway after I saw Sylvain Reynard's review, where he mentioned that this book has this following subject; prostitution, human trafficking and slavery, and organized crime. I think that's the main reason as to why I want to read Throwaway in the first place.
So here's what I think about Throwaway:
In my personal opinion, Throwaway is one of the most inspiring book that I have ever read. Ms. Huffman did an incredible job writing about prostitution and human trafficking. She shows us that...more
So here's what I think about Throwaway:
In my personal opinion, Throwaway is one of the most inspiring book that I have ever read. Ms. Huffman did an incredible job writing about prostitution and human trafficking. She shows us that...more
I don't know what to say about this at all. To use one of the authors own sentences "it's Like she watched Pretty Woman too many times"
Unfortunately this was just not a good book! While the storyline had promise, the characters weren't believable. The story moved too fast, it didn't give room for brand new relationships, such as this one, any room to grow or develop in anyway at all. First chapter Jessie and Gabe met, the next they were behaving as if they had been in a relationship for a consi...more
Unfortunately this was just not a good book! While the storyline had promise, the characters weren't believable. The story moved too fast, it didn't give room for brand new relationships, such as this one, any room to grow or develop in anyway at all. First chapter Jessie and Gabe met, the next they were behaving as if they had been in a relationship for a consi...more
I was introduced to the books of Heather Huffman by my friends on Twitter, and I am so happy I was. Any writer who fights against the exploitation of women, especially lost, young, and vulnerable women, is after my own heart.
What I especially liked about this novel (besides the yummy love story) is that it is not preachy. Jessie is a hooker, dominated by her corrupt pimp. But she is also human, and learns to love and that is, in the end, what we all strive for. To get past those who try to hold...more
What I especially liked about this novel (besides the yummy love story) is that it is not preachy. Jessie is a hooker, dominated by her corrupt pimp. But she is also human, and learns to love and that is, in the end, what we all strive for. To get past those who try to hold...more
This was the first Heather Huffman book I read and even after reading them all, this one is still my favorite. Ok, I admit that the ones set in Missouri, my home state, are my faves. I like that they are a mystery (my favorite genre) but still have some funny moments along with a bit of romance. They are not "mushy" by any means. Also, if you read them all, pay attention to the interconnected characters. Different characters appear in other books, extending the storyline where they were original...more
I'm not sure if this book is officially considered "chick lit," but that's how I felt about it. I don't typically read or like chick lit very much, but every now and again it's good to read something lighter and faster, and this is the kind of book that fits that bill. Plus it was free, so no money wasted if it wasn't good. (It's free for the Nook and Kindle.)
I was surprised at how much I liked it considering it is (a) chick lit and (b) free. Honestly, it's nothing groundbreaking or earth-shatte...more
I was surprised at how much I liked it considering it is (a) chick lit and (b) free. Honestly, it's nothing groundbreaking or earth-shatte...more
From my B&N review:
I was quite drawn into this world that Ms. Huffman created, and allowed me to relate to the characters. This is a story of hope in a world of despair. Though I found some of the romance a bit stereotypical, I cannot deny that I enjoyed reading this book, that good eventually triumphs over evil...but the ride was thrilling none the less.
I felt that the main character was relatable to any woman who wants to love, be free...the desires of many women...but not available to man...more
I was quite drawn into this world that Ms. Huffman created, and allowed me to relate to the characters. This is a story of hope in a world of despair. Though I found some of the romance a bit stereotypical, I cannot deny that I enjoyed reading this book, that good eventually triumphs over evil...but the ride was thrilling none the less.
I felt that the main character was relatable to any woman who wants to love, be free...the desires of many women...but not available to man...more
I got this book for free on my Kindle app on my phone a year ago. It was about a girl named Jessie who has worked under a pimp for many years, and she has basically become numb to any feelings she once had so that she is able to cope with what she has to do day and night. She is about to be made to become the pimp's actual girlfriend and she goes along with whatever happens because it is the only life she knows now, she is afraid of retaliation if she were to try to escape, and she has nowhere t...more
Good read - will read more of her's.
Back Cover Blurb:
Jessie Jones is living the life - except for the fact that she earns it by working the streets. She's been under pimp Spence's thumb for fourteen years, and she isn't looking to change it. That is, until undercover cop Gabe walks into her life and offers her something she's never had before; a love, a future, a home. But even if Jessie could walk away from Spence, there are darker forces of evil who want her to stay put, or worse, dead. This r...more
Back Cover Blurb:
Jessie Jones is living the life - except for the fact that she earns it by working the streets. She's been under pimp Spence's thumb for fourteen years, and she isn't looking to change it. That is, until undercover cop Gabe walks into her life and offers her something she's never had before; a love, a future, a home. But even if Jessie could walk away from Spence, there are darker forces of evil who want her to stay put, or worse, dead. This r...more
Never before have I encountered such a brilliantly written novel about something so profane as prostitution! This story follows a woman named Jessie who has grown up the hard way, and describes the many struggles faced by her and the choices she finds herself making. When she finally meets a man that sets her pulse racing, she learns what it finally feels like to love - but her choice is made more difficult due to her undesirable past, and her new lover's secret life.
The characters are believab...more
The characters are believab...more
This was a Friday Freebie on my Nook, and has been on there for quite some time. I came across it last night when I was desperate for something new. Less than twenty four hours later, it's done. It turned out to be a really good book! Given that the main character is a prostitute, I thought it might be too riddled with description, but it wasn't at all. The plot kept me reading with lots of twists and turns. One minute I was laughing and the next I was shocked or worried about a character. The c...more
Okay so Im not gonna lie, this was TOTALLY not what I thought it was gonna be about... A hooker and a cop? LOL but I loved it anyways. #1 reason, Im a Missourian, and gre up in springfield ozark area, so guess what... Ava... its next to my hometown... I loved reading about people in territories that I actually know!!! So that made me able to connect sooo much easier. #2 I like the outlook it gave on the whole Hooker thing. I dont support hoookers or anything, but you know there are decent women...more
I couldn't put this book down. Completely enjoyed the story and the characters, especially Gabe. There were a few plot points that I think the author could have developed more to make them more realistic -- like Jessie's relationships with the people in the little town of Ava. Some reviewers have complained that the author didn't go into detail about the ugliness of Jessie's life in prostitution, but I was fine with that. The implications were enough for me.
I enjoyed the development of the unlik...more
I enjoyed the development of the unlik...more
Sep 14, 2011
Sheri Salatin
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Sheri by:
find books by title / author / isbn
A story about a prostitute given a chance at a new life. This book is a romantic suspense and while not written in first person, it the viewpoint is only from the heroine.
I was glad that none of the scenes were graphic, so while the implication is there, you don't have to worry about reading explicit bedroom scenes.
The author delves into the life of prostitutes and there were several things in this book that I had never given much thought to before.
Due to the non-Christian way of thinking and t...more
I was glad that none of the scenes were graphic, so while the implication is there, you don't have to worry about reading explicit bedroom scenes.
The author delves into the life of prostitutes and there were several things in this book that I had never given much thought to before.
Due to the non-Christian way of thinking and t...more
When I first read the novel, I never thought that is was about something deeper than prostitution. I initially assumed it was about some wild girl running away from home and turns to prostitution to fend for herself. I was quite right in the case of Harmony, except that she isn’t exactly a runaway girl. She is just another student in desperate need of money for school. The plot of the whole story is fairly understandable, although I had quite hard times to keep up with the crime itself as it unr...more
What can I say about this book. I loved the characters but, parts just seemed so unreal. Portions of the book reminded me of Pretty Woman. I know many people say that but, you know the prostitute turned good girl who was really always a good girl meets the guy and falls in love. Only difference is the family value of Throwaway. With that being said Pretty Woman is one of my all time favorite movies so great job of Ms. Huffman portraying the good sides to the bad times. Too many people are so qui...more
“Throwaway” is one of the best books I read this year. The story hooked me from the very beginning and elicited in me all kinds of emotions. I cried, I laughed and most of all I worried about the destiny of Jessie. Jessie Jones is a woman who earns her living by walking the streets under the supervision and control of her boss, Spence. She thinks there’s no way to escape the situation she’s living in and has given up any hope of trying. Until she meets Gabe, a man who falls head over heels in lo...more
3 likes · like · see review
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Throwaway Discussion | 1 | 16 | Aug 10, 2012 10:41pm | |
| My new favorite author | 6 | 31 | Dec 30, 2011 03:36am |
Heather Huffman writes romantic suspense with strong female leads who refuse to lose hope. Though her stories never shy from looking into the world’s darker corners, they don't dwell there. Heather shares with her resilient heroines a passion to make a real difference and so donates a portion of her book royalties to organizations that fight against human trafficking.
Heather was born and spent her...more
More about Heather Huffman...
Heather was born and spent her...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“He answered her with a kiss. It was more than hungry; it was filled with months' worth of fear and uncertainty and longing. It was a thousand I'm sorrys and ten thousand I love yous.”
—
9 people liked it
“Rolling hills that had been vibrant green just weeks ago were now muted in tone, as if they were taking a deep breath before bursting into the song of fall.”
—
4 people liked it
More quotes…
