Booky Ramblings...: Blog Tour~ Everything I've Never Had by Lynetta Halat ~ Review & Giveaway

Blurb:

Celeste Hebert has always appeared to have it all, but there are many things she's never had, been forbidden from having.

One night. One song. One kiss. The perfect trifecta to unleash the floodgates of a forbidden attraction between the widow and her husband’s bad boy cousin, Adrian.

Celeste endeavors to rebury the feelings that surface after this one night since her powerful family despises him. Kindred spirits, best of friends they attempt to douse their attraction; however, Adrian always seems to know exactly how to push her buttons and may prove too much to resist.

Having defied his family by making his way on his own terms, Adrian struggles to regain their acceptance. When he meets his cousin’s wife and wants her for his own, he feels he’s finally lived down to the title—black sheep. But, when his cousin dies unexpectedly, Adrian fights his attraction and swears to honor them both by helping her raise her boys.

Finding himself enveloped in a cocoon of love and acceptance, Adrian knows it’s more than just physical attraction. However, unforeseen events threaten to destroy those he now holds dear and his newfound peace.

Will the ties that bind them be their undoing?

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Ramblings...

Wow, wow, wow. A beautiful, entrancing and perfectly written book.

From the first page, I was gripped. What starts as an angsty, heat-fuelled hoover that just sucks you right in and keeps you on the edge of your toes, turns into something beautiful as it moves along.

There are few books that you find and as you’re reading you find yourself in awe at how well-written it is. The story moves along so fluidly and everything falls perfectly into place. You find yourself wondering how an author can work such magic and have the story an still feel so real and engaging at the same time. Have you ever felt that way about a book? That’s how Lynetta made me feel.

The characters are easy to fall for. I don’t even know where to begin here. Celeste is head-strong and fearless. Despite her over-bearing family trying to squash any of her on desires, she remains determined to stay true to herself and her boys. Her boys, Archer, Finn and Paris bring are so cute and funny. Adrian is so good to them. Always treating them with a level of love and respect as if they are his own children.

The relationship they share is somewhat antagonising. It all starts with a steamy kiss that left ME gasping for air. The stolen moments they share from there on are hot. I just wanted them to get it on already but I’m so glad they waited because they share such a beautiful relationship. Pure, honest and warm. They are so connected. It also makes for a great climax when they finally do jump bones.

“You are absolute fucking perfection. Made for me, babe. Made for my lips”

“I love you,Celeste. Like crazy love, like I can’t sit across the room from you and watch you without wanting to be a part of what you're doing"

I love everything about this book. It's refreshing to read a love story that is different.. It isn't just a tale of Adrian and Celeste's love. It's also about the love they share with the three boys. Lynetta has achieved a story that is not only angst and hot but it's also heart-warming and endearing.

If you love someone enough, you'll do anything to protect, guard and cherish them no matter what

you'll always be there for them.

I was seriously sucked into this bad boy. I

wouldn't hesitate to recommend this.

A bit about the author Lynetta Halat

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, was the perfect catalyst to launch her into the world of publishing. Her love of the English language prompted her to attain her 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 lovable dogs. She is currently at work on her third book.

Facebook ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Excerpt:

I consider exactly how truthful I should be with him. He was so truthful with me. I owe him that much, don't I? "Adrian, I don't need time apart. You're my friend and you're amazing with the boys. They love you. I would never deny them your presence. I just...I just need us to get back to normal as quickly as possible. I...I am attracted to you. I have been for a while. But that's all it is—a physical attraction." On these words, I see his eyes narrow ever so slightly. I turn my head quickly and vow, "I promise to control myself, though." I allow my eyes to find his again. "I don't want to lose you either."

He studies me for a minute. Just as I find myself about to squirm under his intense gaze, he releases me. "OK, Celeste, that settles that. Back to normal. We'll both behave. This physical thing between us will pass. No harm, no foul. Right?"

"Right," I say on a smile.

Standing up, he turns to go back to his mowing; but then he spins around and comes back to tower over me. My head flies up, my gaze searching. I open my mouth to ask him what's wrong, but he beats me once again.

"Celeste, just so you know," he says as he tilts my chin back further and runs his calloused fingertips up my cheek to tuck a strand of errant hair behind my ear. His hand curls itself along my jaw. "That kiss...that kiss was exceptional, and I'll never forget it. As I stand here and as long as I live, it was the best I've ever had, the best I could ever have."

Since my heart has lodged itself firmly in my throat, he's gone before I can speak or even form a coherent thought for that matter. Slowly, I shake my head at his retreating back. We'll never get back to normal if he keeps touching me and talking to me like that.