Title: Every Rose
Author: Lynetta Halat
Series: Stand Alone
Publication Date: February 25, 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: Bought
Description from Goodreads:
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 in 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 this
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.
My Thoughts:
It was very hard to write a review for Every Rose by Lynetta Halat, because I just don't know how to express how amazing this book is. This is definitely one of my top favorite books of 2013.
I love roses growing, especially unexpectedly, wild. But cut roses, no matter how arranged, repulse me.
The book starts off with the main character going through a very changing event in her life. At first I thought this was going to be your typical girl falls in love with the wrong guy type of story. I was completely wrong. Roses have an important significance in the story. The rose represents the relationship between Lorraina and Michael, which I really LOVED :D! Now I understand why Lynetta Halat choose a rose for the cover.
Future Lorraina is strong, successful, and impervious.
The main character, Lorraina, lived a rough life- family only cares about image, and her step-dad is a drunk. I felt bad for young Lorraina, because her family was so controlling of her. Before she left town she encountered a life changing event that left her numb to the world around her. I was confused with what was happening in the beginning of the story, but after reading more abut the situation I understood why she felt numb. Lorraina struggles with the choices she's made in the past, but as the story progresses her character starts developing into what she always wanted to be. I grew to love Lorraina's character with all of her actions. She was finally able to break free and be truthful with herself, and her love towards Michael. A lot of people will be able to relate to Lorraina's character with some of the events she experienced.
He was my confidant, my rock, my everything. But every time he pushed, I fled.
I was seeing Michael in a whole new light--one where doubt and fear didn't plague my every emotion where he was concerned.
Once back in her hometown she encounters her high school sweetheart. I loved reading Lorraina's memories of Michael and her when they were just teenagers. Lorraina in her teenage years did not realize and accept Michael's love, because she did not know what to think of his actions. I have to admit that when I first read about Michael (Lorraina's memories of when they were teenagers) I was a little creeped out about him. Michael comes off as a stalker from Lorraina's POV when they were just teenagers. As I continued to read more about Michael, I realized that he was just a boy completely, and utterly head-over-heels in love with Lorraina. I would have loved to known a boy as sweet, protective, and caring, who would have done everything Michael did for Lorraina in High School. Heck, I would still love to have my own Michael in College :).
"I've never forgotten any moment I've spent with you. A couple of them I tried to forget because of my stupidity but couldn't quite manage it because, however stupid I was, you had started in that memory."
It is official people, Michael Bang is one of my new book boyfrinds :D! I completely feel in love with Michael's character. I will flat-out admit that he is one of my favorite book boyfriends of all time. He did freak me out a little at the beginning because of his intense and abrupt actions, but I learned to fall in love with this side of him too. Michael's character is intense, loving, smart, artistic, sensitive, hardworking, and when he losses control it is a little scary but I still love him. What more can you ask with Michael? He is the complete package for my taste- he's in a rock band, is an artist, writes poetry, loves reading and the boy can recite phrases from classic novels.
"I also worried that I didn't deserve your love; but I've decided that, deserved or not, I'd be a fool to deny us again."
I don't know if he has any idea how good for me he is; my mind whirls, trying to find a way to express how truly significant he is to me.
Michael and Lorraina first encounter was not what I expected. It was not something over the top, but it was still special and sweet. After their encounter, they decide to give each other a chance at love. How can I describe Michael and Lorraina's relationship? They are deeply and emotionally connected with each other, that it seems that they have never been apart from each other for so long. Their relationship is sweet, bittersweet (early years), tender, and there are a few moments that it is both emotionally and physically intense. I think if I had to pick only one word to describe their relationship it would have to be intense.
It's funny how life does that to you. You have a plan and dreams and desires. Then, in a flash, all that can change. All that you thought you wanted dissipates and you're left with what you needed. Never knew you needed but, nonetheless, did.
Lynetta Halat delivered a bittersweet romance between two people, who are very different from each other, but at the same time not so different as they believe. Every Rose is a story about learning to accept the choices you've made in the past, and opening your eyes to realize that the love you've always been searching for has always been at arms reach, right in front of you. And giving yourself a second chance at being happy with your one true love.
Every Rose is one of those books that you can not stop reading until you reach the end. Once you've reached the end you will be left speechless, and won't be able to stop thinking about it. Every Rose will forever be inked into my heart :).
Every Rose by Lynetta Halat is a book you will not want to miss out on reading. I went through a whole emotionally intense roller coaster ride. I feel in love with the story, the characters, and I feel in love with Lorraina's and Michael's relationship. This is one of my favorite reads of 2013.
Final Verdict 5 Stars!!!!
Favorite Quotes:
"the very definition of insanity is doing exactly the same thing and expecting a different outcome..."
I suddenly recall how Michael had never drawn me the same rose twice. His very mood decided the type of rose I would receive.
I believe in figuring out what you want and reaching out and grabbing it.
We get quiet again. I love that he seems as comfortable with silence as I am. So many people feel that they must fill silence when there really isn't anything of value to say.
He continues his song and, in his unique way, tells me all that he can't put into his own words.
"I want you to sketch a happy rose and a sad rose for me. The bitter with the sweet."
About the Author:
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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Where to find Lynetta Halat:
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