Confession: I lost a little bit of love for Stenton in this book. He had fairly lengthy, full-blown relationships with Erica, then Jenna. And didn’t want Zoey to do the same! He had me shaking my head so much in this book. I know he never gave his to either Erica or Jenna, but that was a lot of time (and sex) to invest in other people. Zoey is better than me, because it would have taken me a minute to move past that. I guess I just like my heroes and heroines to have relations with each other, lol.
I loved that Stenton was such a wonderful father to Jordan. Their relationship was the sweetest thing! I also loved that he took care of Zoey and her parents and made sure that they were provided for. But while Stent made sure Zoey didn’t lack for anything, I was proud that she worked hard in school, and eventually made her own way and her own money. I loved that she didn’t need Stenton. She grew into a wonderful woman. He gave her wings, but she was grounded and well-raised, and would have been able to fly, regardless of whatever circumstances she found herself in.
It was a long road to a reunion for Stent and Zoey, but I’m glad they FINALLY got it together! I read Love Delayed and Love Delivered back-to-back and I was tired by the time I was done. So many ups and downs. My eyes almost bugged out of my head when Stent made his last big reveal, because I thought they were going to break up again. So happy that didn’t happen.
And now for the side characters:
That damn Erika Erceg was, IMO, a love to hate character. I’m pretty sure every time her name was mentioned, or we encountered her in the book, my teeth were on edge. Pretty much how I feel about the person her character is based on. Ugh! And Jenna, poor, sweet, crazy Jenna. She tried, but Stenton wasn’t for her. I hated that he wasted her time like that, though. I liked her mama, though. She was a piece of work, and didn’t hold her tongue. She saw through Stenton and could read the signs a lot better than her daughter could.
I loved Zoey’s mom. Sarah was the epitome of what every mom should aspire to be. The way she took Stenton in and loved and prayed for and over him, I believe is what kept him afloat all those years that he and Zoey were apart. As it was said in the book, ‘Everybody needs a Sarah Barrett’.
Bernard, Bernard, Bernard. Lawhammercy! Poor Zoey settled big time with that nut. When they were in the hotel on their last trip, and Stent was banging on the door and he wouldn’t answer it, I was like ‘Girl, bye!’ Zoey had the biggest blinders on when it came to that guy, lol. He was a hot mess.
Alton annoyed me greatly in the beginning of the series, but I really liked him as the story progressed. Everybody has that crazy friend like Alton. And that couple, like Alton and Tynisha, who fuss and fight and act a fool, but somehow they manage to stay together.
Such a good story! If you haven’t done so already, you must read it!