Hey crew we have Lynetta Halat in the Flirty and Dirty house today. She wrote EVERYTHING I’VE NEVER HAD!!! So check out my review, an excerpt, playlist and book trailer!!! Oh and Lynetta gave us an interview too! There is also a giveaway so be sure to comment on what you think of this book. *whispers* you really should just add it to your TBR!
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18231432-everything-i-ve-never-had
Synopsis:
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?
EXCERPT:
Over Me?
“Adrian, I may be physically drawn to you, but it’s not worth hurting everyone I care about for a little physical pleasure.” I steel myself and conjure my inner bitch that I pray I inherited from my mother. “And I’ve decided that I’m over you.”
The rapidness with which his tears dry should’ve been my first clue to run, but I don’t listen to my instincts and the ugliness that Adrian spews at me I know I deserve, but it’s still hard as hell to take. “Over me? You’re over me? You’re physically attracted to me? And I’m not worth it?”
He sneers a laugh at me. “Over me? To be over me, babe, you’d have to have been under me. And if you’d ever been under me, there’d be no getting over me.” He takes a long stride and his arms come up to pin me in. “You are fucking chicken. You care about me, but you’re not a big enough person to do anything about it. Either that or you’re the biggest cock tease in existence. So which is it, Celeste? Which offense are you guilty of?”
Review:
I’m keeping this review short and to the point. Cuz here’s the thing– it should just be on your TBR or one-clicked NOW!!!
The number one thing that really had my attention and wanting to read it was the fact that the characters are adult. There wasn’t the wishy washy super model gorgeous twenty something girl pining over five guys who are totally tatted up bad boys that drive hot cars. This wasn’t a love triangle gone bad. Nope. This was love based on the real deal. Something that didn’t just happen overnight but the emotional part of this love was built on upon complete trust, genuine friendship, and a true understanding of who each other was, is and would be. Celeste and Adrian both were comfortable in who they were and what they had in life.
I love this book in that Celeste was 37. She had lived and experienced a few things and knew exactly what she wanted. Adrian and Celeste were mature with their actions while still allowing their heart to lead them at times. The frustration and angst was never felt towards them rather it was towards their condescending, self righteous, heartless families.
The New Orleans setting lended itself to some sweet terms of endearment and something different from our usual big cities found in books. For some reason I’m craving beignets.
I also really enjoyed the different aspects of life that Lynetta Halat added to the story. The strong familial ties and obligations played a big part in the story. A not so nice part that was a major force to Adrian and Celeste’s relationship. Another point that I loved was Celeste’s hang ups about her age with regards to Adrian. She was after all the older woman. I also think that many women will appreciate that while Celeste was beautiful, she wasn’t created to be a 5’1″ size 2 waist with a nice rack. She was natural, she was curvy, she wore yoga pants with her hair in a bun and glasses to be comfortable. And what sealed the deal in making Adrian a fab book boyfriend? He loved celeste even more when she was dressed like that.
Adrian being a marine was a great aspect to the story. The part in the story while he was deployed will warm your heart. She also didn’t downplay what a serious job being in the military is nor did she glorify it. She kept it real.
Anyone that has read any of my reviews knows how much i adore a storyline with kids involved. Everything I’ve Never had is no exception. Some of my favorite parts were scenes involving Celeste’s three boys.
So this review was supposed to be short but there were a lot of things that were great. I’m pretty sure if you read EVERYTHING I’VE NEVER HAD, you will enjoy a lot. it misses one star only because there were a few declarations of love between Celeste and Adrian that I found very repetitive. But I can live with that. D 4/5
Buy Link: click the book cover below.
Play list:
BOOK TRAILER:
Author interview:
Hi. Thanks for stopping by Flirty and Dirty today. I just finished reading Everything I’ve Never Had. And I straight up really enjoyed this one. I really liked all the different aspects of one’s life you put into the story without making it too much or overbearing. So are you ready to do this interview? *winks*
LH: I think I can! I think I can! And thanks for having me!
D: What do you think makes you a good writer?
LH: A good writer? Thank you! I’ll take it. 
I like to tell my character’s stories whatever they may be. Focusing on what makes them tick, what makes me them unique, and what drives them seems to be my MO in creating storylines that are intriguing yet realistic.
D: How did you come up with the storyline for Everything I’ve Never Had? Because this isn’t a rocker boy story. It’s much more than that. Adrian just happens to be a hot rocker lol.
LH: So true! Most of my characters both those written and those banging around in my head begging for their stories to be told are artists, which is much more true to life for me. I love my rock star reads! But I like to write about everyday people with extraordinary tales to tell.
So Celeste and Adrian in particular? It was the craziest thing! One of my all time favorite songs is “Everlong” by the Foo Fighters. I’ve loved it for years, but about a year ago, I was sitting at a red light with my Addictions playlist on random and it popped up. I just thought…man, these lyrics are so powerful. I started imagining the kind of couple who would have this intense love and yearning for each other. I thought it’d almost have to be forbidden and desperate—Adrian and Celeste were born.
D: In Everything I’ve Never Had, there were many types of personalities in the men that crossed Celeste’s path. Who did you enjoy most in writing and what type of man do you enjoy writing most about- alpha male, chic geek (Matt Perry type), rocker?
LH: Oh! I love writing them all so much. I get so excited about exploring different personalities. I absolutely loved getting in Adrian’s alpha male brain, though. It was fascinating. In the Alpha’s brain, things are viewed very simply, which is refreshing. Very black and white. It’s pretty cool.
D: The female mc is in her late 30’s (which I love BTW) what made you want to write about a single mom, in her 30’s, curvy figure and head strong (for the most part lol) rather than like so many books that write about these 20 something wishy-washy, perfect size 2 bodies, etc?
LH: Great question! Celeste’s birth was so interesting. I’d wanted her to be off limits to Adrian, so the fact that she’s his deceased cousin’s widow came to mind. Then she just started taking shape in the form of an older, sassy yet proper, southern woman. Someone who was settled and happy because that’s all Adrian has ever wanted for himself. Then I thought, “Oh, she would definitely have children.” Hello, Archer, Paris, and Finn! Who, by the way, are three aspects of my oh-so-unique twelve-year-old son. Finally, Adrian would be crazy about her kids, and a whole new bond for them was born with that as well.
D: What can readers expect next? Is Everything I’ve Never Had a definite standalone or will there be a spin off or series to it?
LH: I may write Bonnie and Garner’s tale. It’s pretty messed up what happened between them. Someone asked me what went down with them and that reminded me that I have their whole story in my head and thought that would be cool to get that out there. I think that’s what makes them so interesting. Even though they are secondary characters, you can tell there’s so much more up with them!
D: What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
LH: This is going to be a shocker—but reading! I swear reading books is my first and favorite childhood memory. I have an amazing family who I enjoy spending time with, of course. They are involved in everything so that keeps me crazy busy too!
D: What are you reading right now?
LH: I’m reading L. Chapman’s Trust and loving it!
D: Favorite TV show? Favorite book? Favorite pastime?
LH: I watch three TV shows so they are equal in my eyes—Sons of Anarchy, Vampire Diaries & the Voice! Oh and Klaus is getting his own show, so the Originals!
Favorite book—hands down Gone with the Wind
Favorite pastime, cliché or not—READING!!!!!
D: And finally it’s not a flirty and dirty interview unless we ask you to tell us one flirty thing about you and one dirty thing. LOL
LH: Hmm…why is it easier to think of tons of dirty about myself and no flirty? 
Uh oh!
OK…flirty. Oh, yeah! Nope, I think that’s dirty too.
Oh! I know! I like to send my husband flirty and suggestive text messages randomly throughout the day. Whew! That was hard!!
Dirty…easy! I’ve been married for a long time, and when the sexy times are running a little thin, I look to my books to jump-start me. My go-to get-my-sexy-back-read is Fifty, of course!
D: Thank you so much for taking time out to chat with us, Lynetta. It was great having you stop by our blog today. Everything I’ve Never Had was a fabulous read that had some real women with real problems. Women everywhere will totally be able to relate and escape. I really look forward to reading more from you.
LH: Thank you so much for having me Denise and Flirty & Dirty! Y’all rock!! Thank you for connecting readers and authors every single day!
Peace, love, and books,
Lynetta
Author stuff:
Bio:
Since the dawn of time, Lynetta Halat has lived to read and has written innumerable stories and plays. A lover of good books, bad boys, and kickass tunes, she’d always dreamt of penning books that people could connect with and remember. She also has a secret penchant for wringing the emotions out of unsuspecting readers. She collects reader’s tears in much the same way that wine connoisseurs collect their favorite vintage.
Her first novel, Every Rose, was the perfect catalyst to launch her into the world of publishing, effectively burrowing her way into the hearts and minds of readers throughout the world. She has followed that up with an adult romance in Everything I’ve Never Had.
Her love of the English language prompted her to pursue a Master’s degree in English from Old Dominion University in Virginia, where she also minored in snark and interpretive dance. She lives somewhere on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with her adorable husband, two amazing sons, and two loveable dogs. When she’s not writing riveting storylines, she likes to focus on her macramé art and her scouring of eBay, where she buys locks of hair from her favorite rock stars, most especially Bret Michaels and Dave Grohl.
Author Links
Website/Facebook/Twitter/Goodreads links
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/LynettaHalatAuthor
Website: www.lynettahalat.com
Twitter: @LynettaHalat
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18231432-everything-i-ve-never-had
GIVEAWAY: Signed Paperback (open internationally)
post a comment telling us what you enjoyed about the book or what makes you think you will. Will you be the winner?