Reader Beware: If you're not OK with having your guts ripped out, this
may not be the book for you. If you're open-minded and willing to have a
life-changing experience no matter what you have to go through
emotionally, this is definitely the book for you.
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 that 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.
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 that 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.
Sara's Review:
Let's Meet Lynetta!
This book made me ugly cry.
Ug-ly. Cry. I honestly don’t think I have cried this hard
since Dumbledore went to the big Hogwarts in the sky. My two year old daughter tore herself away
from Barney and looked upon me with concern, that’s how hard I cried. This is one of those rare books, however,
that even though it rips your heart to shreds, getting there was a beautiful
journey that made it worthwhile in the end.
Every Rose is a story of misjudgment, redemption, unconditional love, heartbreak and trust. In it, we are introduced to Lorraina and Michael. Lucky enough to meet as children and become best friends, Michael loved Lorraina from the first moment. Through a series of events, however, Lorraina leaves to try and pursue the life that she thinks she wants and needs. Even though he is left behind, Michael never forgets – and never gives up on—his love for Lorraina. It helps his to find his way out of the downward spiral he is, because he wants to be a better man for her and because he believes she will come back to him. She does, and it’s an awe-inspiring love to live vicariously through as a reader. The connection the author manages to make you feel for the characters and their love and passion is what really good romance and fiction is all about, and what I live for as a reader.
This is tough subject matter through which not a lot of authors are willing to tread, and I admire Lynetta for that. It takes guts not to give the reader what they invariably want. Yet, after the shock wears off, you understand that this is where the story had to go, and you feel lucky to be have been able to be taken on such a beautiful, soul-shattering journey. I know that I, for one, could not put this book down. It touched me and gripped me from the first chapter, as few books do. This is a book I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to read a well written, exquisitely told, penetrating, character driven story. The main characters capture you, and the supporting characters endear themselves to you. It’s just a great book. A 4.5 star book for me. And the epilogue left me with a big, fat smile….and maybe a happy tear or two.
Every Rose is a story of misjudgment, redemption, unconditional love, heartbreak and trust. In it, we are introduced to Lorraina and Michael. Lucky enough to meet as children and become best friends, Michael loved Lorraina from the first moment. Through a series of events, however, Lorraina leaves to try and pursue the life that she thinks she wants and needs. Even though he is left behind, Michael never forgets – and never gives up on—his love for Lorraina. It helps his to find his way out of the downward spiral he is, because he wants to be a better man for her and because he believes she will come back to him. She does, and it’s an awe-inspiring love to live vicariously through as a reader. The connection the author manages to make you feel for the characters and their love and passion is what really good romance and fiction is all about, and what I live for as a reader.
This is tough subject matter through which not a lot of authors are willing to tread, and I admire Lynetta for that. It takes guts not to give the reader what they invariably want. Yet, after the shock wears off, you understand that this is where the story had to go, and you feel lucky to be have been able to be taken on such a beautiful, soul-shattering journey. I know that I, for one, could not put this book down. It touched me and gripped me from the first chapter, as few books do. This is a book I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to read a well written, exquisitely told, penetrating, character driven story. The main characters capture you, and the supporting characters endear themselves to you. It’s just a great book. A 4.5 star book for me. And the epilogue left me with a big, fat smile….and maybe a happy tear or two.
Let's Meet Lynetta!
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.
Link Me!
Buy Links:
Trailers:
Every Rose Trailer
Tease Time!!
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.
Thank you so much for the beautiful review and for taking a chance on me! :) <3
ReplyDeleteMy question is...will there be a book 2? I'd love to have the story of Lorraina continue!
DeleteAll signs point to yes. :)
DeleteI agree with what you said about it being a "story of misjudgment, redemption, unconditional love, heartbreak and trust." I also, think it is a terrific example of true friendship. It just oozes out of the journal entries and you know that no matter how bad life gets for them they will have each other to lean on. I love this.
ReplyDelete