Lynetta Halat

I will repeat the first thing that was said to me when I told a group I had purchased this one.. Make sure you have a lot of tissues!

I started the book this morning before heading into work, and while I was reluctant to leave Michael and Lorraina, I knew that I only had a short four hours till I could join them again.

I couldn't wait to get back to them and as soon as I walked in the door I grabbed my kindle and immersed myself back in their story.

After reading Lynetta's Used, I really was wanting something to kind of decompress from the feelings I was left with. But I got a whole other mess to deal with. I laughed and cried. Boy did I CRY, I haven't loved/hated a book so much in almost 4 years! I loved that Lorraina finally realized what she wanted and took steps to get it, and I LOVED the time Michael and her spent together, but I HATED the twist that was thrown in there.

I know I've said this numerous times, but I cried for the last 30% of the book, and for at least 45 minutes after I finished, even now typing up this review I keep remembering bits and tear up. This is one that will stick with me for a while and I will come back to read it again.… (mais)

This is most definitely Michael and Lorraina’s story. I was taken back by this story. It might seem like your typical, they loved each other since they were kids but one denied it until later on in life, book. But it isn’t. It is much more than that.
The characters in this book are not only finding the balance and the love that they have always shared, but they are also finding themselves and each other. I was in awe of this story. It is one of those sweet books that you just don’t want to end.
Now, before you get your hopes up. This is different from the typical love stories in other ways. First off, it will not be THE happy ending you want. It isn’t a sad one, but not what you will want to see. I was upset about this at first, but as the book truly ended, I was glad that it went the way it did. Why? Well, honestly, it was refreshing for the author to give me something different from what I get from most other books. It stands out away from others that may be similar because of this and other reasons. I am not going to go into all of the other reasons. That is something you would have to find out for yourself.
Join Lorraina and Michael in their journey of finding love and friendship. I promise you won’t be disappointed in this book. I am so glad I got to read it!… (mais)

4.5 stars...
Celeste Herbert has buried her husband and now is the single mother to three rambunctious boys. Having watched her husband succumb to the evils of cancer she has wrapped herself up in raising her boys, with the help of her husbands cousin Adrian. Who has made it is job to take care of them. Both come from powerful families, where arranged marriages and control are at the forefront. This is one are of the book where I would have liked more detail. You never are completely aware of what type of business that their families are involved in. When the word "Mafia" gets used it is like the worst word that can be said.

I found the story to be really sweet for the most part. Celeste has always had strong feelings for Adrian and one night she decides to act on it. Making a quick exit one night at a concert that Adrian is the bass player for, she never expects him to follow her. What ensues is the most powerful, electrifying, sole searing kiss that she has ever experienced. And when Adrian returns her advances she is so overwhelmed. They have had a strong attraction to one another since the first time they met. But there was nothing that they could do about it. The sexual tension between the two of them is nothing short of hot hot hot.

"That kiss…that kiss was exceptional, and I’ll never forget it. As I stand here and as long as I love, it was the best I’ve ever had, the best I could ever have."

"All I want to do is hold you and protect you and love you. Will you let me do that, not matter the consequences?"~Adrian

"Being with you, Adrian. It's everything I've ever needed....I feel like you love me for me. Not for what I have to offer you or what you can acquire or who you can make happy by being with me. And the things you make me feel--I thought I'd never be free to feel, so I don't regret us. I'll never be sorry for loving you."~Celeste

"I was never anyone else's to have. You won me, Celeste. Always have, always will."~Adrian

Adrian is the bad boy, the hot, sexy, rhythm guitarist for the Dog Tags and bad boy Marine. He has lived his life on his own terms. He never wanted to be under the thumb of his family. He has now decided to try and make amends. But fears that his love for Celeste will only make matters worse. He is Celeste's and her boys protector. He would do anything for them. Adrian has stepped into the roll as a father figure and spends all his time helping out with the boys and providing the guidance that they need in their lives.

I loved Celeste....she is such a fighter. She wants what is best for her family and will do everything she has to to keep them safe and happy. Just when she and Adrian decide to let their families know that they plan on being together a phone call comes in, nearly ripping their happy world apart. The next six months of their lives is so trying and just when there is a light at the end of the tunnel you are hit with yet another land mine.

This is the first book that I have read by Lynetta Halat and was pretty impressed. She touches on a subject not seen in many books. Her characters are believable and one can relate to them. I would have liked to have known more about the powerful families that they both came from. Overall it was a very enjoyable book. Filled with love, hope and the determination to get past controlling families, Celeste and Adrian take you on a roller coaster ride as their relationship grows and they try to find their own happiness. I really loved this book and would recommend you go out and one click it today. 4.5 stars.

… (mais)

This is most definitely Michael and Lorraina’s story. I was taken back by this story. It might seem like your typical, they loved each other since they were kids but one denied it until later on in life, book. But it isn’t. It is much more than that.
The characters in this book are not only finding the balance and the love that they have always shared, but they are also finding themselves and each other. I was in awe of this story. It is one of those sweet books that you just don’t want to end.
Now, before you get your hopes up. This is different from the typical love stories in other ways. First off, it will not be THE happy ending you want. It isn’t a sad one, but not what you will want to see. I was upset about this at first, but as the book truly ended, I was glad that it went the way it did. Why? Well, honestly, it was refreshing for the author to give me something different from what I get from most other books. It stands out away from others that may be similar because of this and other reasons. I am not going to go into all of the other reasons. That is something you would have to find out for yourself.
Join Lorraina and Michael in their journey of finding love and friendship. I promise you won’t be disappointed in this book. I am so glad I got to read it!… (mais)