Everything I’ve Never Had by Lynetta Halat Review
With all of the books nowadays featuring 17-23 year olds, it is a true pleasure when one comes along that sweeps you away and features an older heroine. The beautifully written Everything I’ve Never Had by Lynetta Halat did just that.
Celeste is 38, a widow, and the mother of three boys. Part of a very powerful and dangerous family, Celeste’s marriage was arranged. She loved her late husband and the father of her kids, but she was never in love.
Since his death from cancer, her husband’s cousin, Adrian, soldier and the black sheep of the family, has been stepping in and helping out. He has become a father figure to the boys, and a best friend to Celeste. They both want more, but there are plenty of obstacles. Adrian and his father have been ostracized from the family, he is 30 – 8 years younger than Celeste, and neither one has shared their “more than family” feelings with each other. The rest of the family will do what ever they have to keep them apart, and they are both scared to go against them.
“I know I’m not supposed to want him. He’s my own slice of forbidden fruit–my deceased husband’s outcast cousin. And with the way our families were connected, that was not something I could ignore”
But when she sees him playing rhythm guitar in his band…her attraction becomes so strong she has to get away. But he follows, and they share an epic kiss that changes everything.
“Oh my…this is…everything. Everything I’ve never felt, everything I’ve never tasted, everything I’ve never had.”~Celeste
“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.” ~Adrian
They still fight their attraction, and even date other people in front of each other while trying to keep their hands off of each other.
But they just can’t stay away…even when with the other dates.
“I’ve never wanted a woman the way I want you. Never.”
“It’s just because you can’t have me, Adrian. I’m nothing special.”
“Oh, baby, you have no idea.” He runs his nose up my throat, scenting me as he goes…”You’re everything to me.”
When they finally stop fighting each other, HOLY MOLY, it gets H-O-T. My kids play guitar and bass. I have picks all over my house. Let’s just say I’m getting all flushed when I see them now.
So much more happens, and I don’t want to give more away. There is a military aspect to this book that many will appreciate as well, and it was all handled very well. This book had a great ending, though it is different than what you expect, and a perfect epilogue.
Likes:
- Beautifully written.
- Older heroine with kids.
- Forbidden attraction that they fight like crazy.
- I totally love Adrian. He is such a great guy and amazing with the boys. There is nothing sexier than a man who is great with kids.
- Guitar picks. Nuff said.
- The letters, and guitar picks in them.
- The very real issues our soldiers face.
- The magnetic pull between the couple was palpable.
- There was a very long build-up to their relationship before the book began. They were friends first.
- It felt like a long, meaty story.
Dislikes:
- I wasn’t all that clear why they didn’t stand up to the family sooner.
- I would have liked a little more together time.
- I almost wish something a little more epic happened.
Rating 4.5 stars 3.75 heat (there was good sex and build up, just not much)
Everything I’ve Never Had is a beautiful story with likable, relatable, and down to earth characters. It was a pleasure reading about an older heroine with kids for a change, and they only added to the love story inside. Though I usually don’t like to mention another author in a review, something about this story, (though the characters talk nothing like it) reminded be of a Kristen Ashley book, without the gobs of action. Perhaps it’s the older characters, the manly alpha, and the history between the couple. To me, this is the highest of compliments. Beautifully written and unique, I highly recommend you check this one out!
Connect with Lynetta Halat
Amazon | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter
Also see her at Wicked Book Weekend 2014: Ft. Lauderdale (And 2015!)
Purchase Everything I’ve Never Had by Lynetta Halat
Amazon | BN.com

Lynetta has graciously offered to give away a signed paperback of Everything I’ve Never Had. (US only)
Karen G. says
Thanks for your thoughts on this book. I like a friends to lovers story and I especially like that it is about someone older than 18. This sounds perfect for me, thanks!
Erika says
great giveaway! i love getting signed books!
Megan Wickland says
Reminded you of a KA type book? That’s enough for me to check it out. ♥
Lynetta Halat says
Thank you so much for the lovely review, Ana! I totally take the KA comment as a compliment. Man, can that woman tell a good story! 🙂 <3
Tiffany says
Nice review. Love this book! Love the author! Can’t wait for her next book!
Sarah Griffin says
I LOVED this book! Everyone should read it and fall in love with Adrian 🙂
Dannielle says
Can’t wait to read this one 🙂
melanie r says
I adored this book!! Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. Lynetta does a great job in connecting the readers to her characters!!!
Melissa Durbin says
Thanks for the review and I am happy to see someone who isn’t between the ages of 18 – 21. I think a lot of readers would prefer characters who are a little older with some life experiences under their belt.
Tonya Schenck says
Thanks so much for the great giveaway!!
laura voss says
One of my favorite parts is when she went and stood up to her family. I loved her spunk and the amount of fight she had for what she needed.
Kim Perry says
I really enjoyed this book. Good review! I loved when she finally confronted the family. Thanks for the giveaway!
Jackie says
Oh, hey awesome book! I can’t wait to read it!!!!
Cindy Hoage says
I totally loved this book and couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. Like a few of the others said I alos cannot wait for her next book to come out. She has me hooked!!!!
Leslie Rodriguez says
I really want to read this one. It is on my tbr list. Thank you.
Denise Smith says
i really love this book thanks for the giveaway
Andie Wardlow says
Oooh this is on my tbr…book buying ban sucks…bf got laid off, boo! Really wanna win this
Amy Smith says
Great giveaway!!!! Thanks!!!!
Kayla H says
Thank you for the giveaway!!!
tina says
Loving all these give aways to try to win a chance for books and other awesome gifts
tina says
Love all these awesome give a ways and the chance to get signed books and other great gifts.
Kelli says
I can’t wait to read this. All the teasers and reviews make it look super yummy.
Mary Lowery says
Great giveaway! I really want to read this book and I bought the paper back because I have her other book as well
Kristen says
Really want to read this book!! I loved Every Rose.
Megan Stietz says
I have been dying to read this book!! Thank you for the giveaway!!!
Zandalee says
As much as I love NA (since the characters are in my age group), it’s nice to change it up. This sounds like a really great story. I loved Lynetta Halat’s writing in Every Rose, so I have no doubt I’ll love this book as well.
meghan jacobs says
Can not wait to read this book.
Karen says
This one is on my TBR list!
Amber says
I’ve been wanting to read this one!
angie Griffith says
Thank you for giveaway
Heather says
This book looks really good and the cover is beautiful. Thank you for the chance to win a copy 🙂
Cara O says
Love your thoughts on the book, it looks really good!
kp says
Can’t wait to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Jennifer Walls says
Wow, a woman in her 30s, I’m definitely putting this on my TBR. Thanks for the giveaway!
pam metz says
This book looks great! Thanks!
Gina H says
Love the older characters. It’s so hard to relate with some of these YA books, guess you can call me old and cynical! Can’t wait to read it!
Lisa Figliolino says
What appeals to me about this book is the age of the characters. I love to come across a book where the characters are closer to my age. Looking forward to reading it!!!
Emilia says
I totally agree! Love books with older heroines, th YA & NA genre is ok, but I prefer adult. Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway!
Heather at Red Headed Bookworm says
Forbidden and friends to lovers? Sounds awesome!
Heather says
I really like the more mature characters. It is sometimes hard to get into college age romance books. Awesome review of the book Ana I will definitely add to my TBR list. Thanks for the giveaway.
Nasha Lama says
Seems a good book. I wanna read it!
Vickie Milizia says
Thanks for the giveaway, can’t wait to read this!
Gail Campbell says
I especially want to read it since it is not about people in their 20’s. Too many books are all about the college age people, and not about people that are older.
Ginnie Hutto says
It may only be 8:55 a.m. but I am already ready for it to be bedtime.
Debra Diaz says
This books looks great! Can’t wait to read ti!
Donna Reynolds says
Looks like a great book can’t wait to read it Thanks for the great chance to win.
StacyHgg (Stacy) says
Sounds awesome! I just added it to my TBR, thanks!
( ˘ ³˘)♥
donna says
thanks for the opportunity…this looks good
Casey Britton says
Oh i would love to win this one! It sounds fabulous! Thanks for the chance!!
Kim M. says
Love that this book about someone closer to my age!! Thanks for the giveaway and the great review!!
Ann T says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Michele Dewell says
On my TBR list. Thank u for the giveaway.
Nichole C says
Thanks for the review & giveaway!
Pam says
Love your review and would like to win this book !!!!!!!!!
Alisa Kaminski says
thanks for the great giveaway. Sounds like a great book
Cindy says
Sounds like a good read.
jodi marinich says
thanks for the giveaway
Kim says
Sounds like an enjoyable read. Cannot wait to read. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
Desiree Putaski says
This is definitely getting moved up on the TBR list!! Still young and contemporary, but closer to my age, involves kids and yes, nothing sexier than a man who is great with kids (especially when they aren’t his). I am most certainly going to be reading this soon! Thanks for the awesome giveaway as well!
Jennifer Jones says
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!!!
Nicole A. says
It seems like everyone is talking about this book. It’s definitely going on my TBR. Thank you for the giveaway. =)
lisa w says
WOW!! A must read!
Joan says
Great review! I think this one is going on my TBR list asap!
Kyla Stein says
I want to win!
Stacy F says
I loved your review, it was amazing! Thanks for the awesome giveaway 😉
Pam says
Sounds like a great book.
nikki flannery says
thanks for the giveaway
Ashley Lynn says
Thanks for the giveaway!! I cant wait to read this!
Tamara Peterson says
Thanks for the review!
Nancy Van Spunky says
I love the books about “older” love, especially since I suppose I’m considered older. 😛
Tatia White says
Thank you for the great review. I’ve heard amazing things about this book. I can’t wait to read it.
Scara says
This is HIGH on my TBR y3
Melissa Crisp says
I like the review and I really hope I win this one.
danielle james says
I love giveaways!
Scheva says
A KA reference? Click please!
Diana Doan says
Thank you for the chance to win this amazing book!!
Brandy Gibson says
Good luck everyone.
Ann Tracy says
Can’t wait to read looks really good crossing fingers hope to win 🙂
Mary Jones says
Can’t wait to read, sounds great!
Sandy Borrero says
Thanks for the giveaway! It sounds interesting.
April Whaley says
Thanks Ana banana for this awesome giveaway!
Rhonda Beyer says
I can’t wait to read this. Thanks for the giveaway!!!
Karina G. says
I love this author, she shocked me in Every Rose!! I’m hoping this book won’t do the same! I can’t wait to read this book!
Karina G. says
I love this author, she shocked me in Every Rose!! I’m hoping this book won’t do the same! I can’t wait to read this book!
Jessica R says
Just won this ebook. Cannot wait to read it!
Jay B. says
Sounds great! 🙂 Hope I win..! lol
Erika says
This sounds like a great read! Thanks for the chance to win! Love the idea of the guitar playing:)
Andrea says
Love your blog.
Julie says
you seriously have the BEST GIVEAWAYS ever! So glad I found you, awesome reviews too. I always check to see if you have reviewed before I one-click
Lisa Carta-Gates says
It’s on my list!
Jenn says
Sounds great…..
Jennifer Phillips says
Thank God a book not involving high school!
Feifei Le says
I have an ebook copy in my library but I have no time to read it hahaha! Maybe a paperback copy will convince me 😉
Mica says
I can’t wait to read a book by this author…I heard she is a Mississippi girl!
Kelly says
Heard great things about this!
Melanie C says
Thanks for the giveaways
Cathy says
Thank you for the giveaway!!! 🙂 I love Lynetta Halat’s books!!! She is any awesome writer!!! 😀
Meghan Stith says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Darci says
Sounds like a great book!
Niki T says
Thank you for the chance to win!
Jenny Dauksa Schaber says
This looks like such a great book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Candi says
Awesome giveaway!
Amy Pollard Woolard says
I have been wanting to read this book for a while now! I have it on my TBR list!! Thank you for the chance!!
Alison Flores says
It sounds really good! Thanks for sharing!!
Annie Brown says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Florianne says
Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
Cassandra says
Thank you for the giveaway! This book sounds good!
Yvette says
Awesome giveaway. <3
Yvonne C says
Fantastic giveaway!