Blog Tour & Giveaway: Every Rose by Lynetta Halat

What do you do when you realize you were foolish enough to throw away true, unconditional love?

Lorraina Dabney turns her back on her creativity and tumultuous upbringing to embark on a college career that will lead her to law school and to becoming what she values most in life—a controlled, powerful, respected woman. When she stumbles upon her childhood friend's artwork, she feels inspired to reconnect with him and her former self.  This onslaught of emotion will send Lorraina into a tale-spin to figure out exactly why she abandoned all that she was, all that she could've been.

Coming from his own chaotic upbringing, Michael falls quickly and deeply in love with Lorraina at a tender age. Even her rejection can't stand in the way of his obsession. When she starts to date other boys, however, Michael finally relents, causing him to spiral further into a world filled with violence, drugs, alcohol, and women. Realizing his lifestyle will only lead to his further estrangement from Lorraina, Michael sets about to turn himself around before going to get his girl.

Michael Bang will have Lorraina questioning everything.

Review:

Michael Bang loved Lorraina Dabney since he was fifteen years old.  Lorraina on the other hand did not realize she loved him back till years later. 

The story opens with Lorraina returning to her hometown during a college break.  She runs across a piece of art that she knows can only be the work of Michael.  Something about it awakens memories and emotions in her that she locked away a long time ago.  Finally, she sees the love Michael always had for her and realizes she loves him back.  Now, she’s determined to make things right.

Every Rose is told from Lorraina’s POV.  We get to relive all her memories of Michael with her and make new ones as they meet up again.  They both come from crappy backgrounds.  They both had to make mistakes and gain experiences in life before they could be with each other.  Michael may have loved her from an early age, but that doesn’t mean he deserved her just yet.  He had to get a grasp on his own life and decide on the person he wanted to be.  Likewise, Lorraina had to experience heartache and hurt before she could be open to the kind of love Michael offered.

This story flowed so well and moved along rapidly.  Michael is a reformed bad boy now.  He is sensitive, artistic and so protective and loyal to her; maybe a little too protective at times.  But, overall he’s the perfect guy.  I enjoyed seeing them together as a couple and discover that side of themselves.  But, I have to warn you.  This book packs one heck of an ending I did not see coming.  It ripped my heart to shreds; left a gaping hole in my chest.  I’m still a little in shock as I write this review.  Tread lightly with this one and protect your heart or keep tissues handy when you approach the end.

Author Bio:

For as long as she can remember, Lynetta Halat has lived to read and has written countless stories and plays since she was a young girl. A teacher by day and an avid reader and closet writer by night, she has always dreamt of penning books that people could connect with and remember; and her first novel, Every Rose, is the perfect catalyst to launch her into the world of publishing. Her love of the English language prompted her to pursue a master's degree in English from Old Dominion University in Virginia. A self-proclaimed "Coast Girl," she lives in Mississippi with her adorable husband, two amazing sons, and two loveable dogs. She is currently at work on her second book.

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EXCERPT:

Michael shakes his head and grins at me. I fight the sudden urge to run my hands through that silky midnight hair of his. “Always so quick to label and categorize.  I guess that’s what will make you an excellent attorney. Assess. Label. Categorize. Add up the W’s. ” He leans in a little and whispers, “How about we just go with the flow? See where it leads us. Label later?” He raises his brows, offering my type-A dominant personality a direct challenge.

Caution to the wind, very atypical for me, I reply, “OK. I’m up for it.” Challenge accepted. “You?” Challenge returned.

“You bet, Lorraina,” he rasps softly.

He leans into my door and places his hands on top of mine. I’m suddenly quite anxious and ever so grateful for the door between us. My hands get clammy and my heart races. Blood races and pounds in my ears, making me feel very much awake now. One hand moves up to brush my hair from my forehead and moves down feather light until his knuckles brush across my cheekbone and lips. He pulls his thumb slowly across my lips. It’s excruciating. It’s exquisite.

Both of his hands come forward to frame my face gently, and he pulls me in for a kiss. A too quick kiss. It’s over before I realize it’s even begun. He gives me a half smile and turns and walks away.

“Michael!” My voice barely sounds human. More animal in nature. It’s raw with ache.

He turns and takes two long strides back to me. This time when he grasps my head it’s anything but gentle. He pulls my lip in and nudges my lips open with his. All rational thought escapes me. I mirror his grasp and enjoy the fullness I feel with him in my mouth. I give as good as I get. This kiss is nothing like our two before. I savor it.

When he turns to walk away, I release a long pent up breath. If he would’ve looked back, he would’ve seen that I was the one on my knees now.

Lynetta Halat is giving away a copy of Every Rose.  

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