Been Loving You Too Long

by Seraphina Donavan and Leanore Elliott

[Cocktails and Books]

I wish I could rate this book with more stars. Seraphina Donavan is my new author to watch. I really enjoyed this book.

I loved the characters in this book. The female character, Ophelia, was my favorite. Ophelia is abandoned by her drug addicted sometimes incarcerated mother. She does not now he father's identity. She was raised by a loving grandmother alongside the nephews and neices of her grandmother's employer. Ophelia makes no excuses for her past and though the actions of her mother hurt her they didn't cripple her. Her character comes across as being very pragmatic and focused on moving forward with her life. Ophelia is described as being a very curvaceous size 18. She doesn't flaunt her body, but she doesn't apologize for it either. I loved that she did have some insecurities about her body but this wasn't one of those books where the plus size heroine is depressed about her size, has low self-esteem, and can't believe anyone would want her. She doesn't do theatrics and give as well as take any catty remarks thrown her way. What I think I loved most is that her actions made sense and she didn't try to play unnecessary games. She was attracted to Vincent, our hero, and when he kissed her she went for it without regrets. Her initial reaction when she knew that she and Vincent would share a bed was to demand that there be no sex. However, she realized that with the attraction between them that was impossible. She decided to go along for as long as their relationship lasted. That was a breath of fresh air. I was so tired of girl fighting her attraction to boy only to give in 6 chapters later. What a waste!!

Vincent is a tortured soul. He was exposed to more as a boy than he ever should have been and those memories continue to haunt him. He is determined to different from his parents but afraid he's simply too much like them. Vincent made mistakes, but I loved that the author allowed you to peek into his psyche to understand why he hurt Ophelia. His character is honest, noble, self-sacrificing, generous, and handsome.

The plot is predictable but the ride is so enjoyable you really don't mind. Vincent and Ophelia get their HEA. We meet a bratty younger sister, vindictive wannabe lover, and conniving business partner among other interesting characters along the way. Vincent and Ophelia rate a 10 on steam. There are numerous scenes written in vivid details in a variety of settings that will have you reaching for a cold glass of water. This book is a treat in every sense of the word.I wish I could rate this book with more stars. Seraphina Donavan is my new author to watch. I really enjoyed this book.

I loved the characters in this book. The female character, Ophelia, was my favorite. Ophelia is abandoned by her drug addicted sometimes incarcerated mother. She does not now he father's identity. She was raised by a loving grandmother alongside the nephews and neices of her grandmother's employer. Ophelia makes no excuses for her past and though the actions of her mother hurt her they didn't cripple her. Her character comes across as being very pragmatic and focused on moving forward with her life. Ophelia is described as being a very curvaceous size 18. She doesn't flaunt her body, but she doesn't apologize for it either. I loved that she did have some insecurities about her body but this wasn't one of those books where the plus size heroine is depressed about her size, has low self-esteem, and can't believe anyone would want her. She doesn't do theatrics and give as well as take any catty remarks thrown her way. What I think I loved most is that her actions made sense and she didn't try to play unnecessary games. She was attracted to Vincent, our hero, and when he kissed her she went for it without regrets. Her initial reaction when she knew that she and Vincent would share a bed was to demand that there be no sex. However, she realized that with the attraction between them that was impossible. She decided to go along for as long as their relationship lasted. That was a breath of fresh air. I was so tired of girl fighting her attraction to boy only to give in 6 chapters later. What a waste!

Vincent is a tortured soul. He was exposed to more as a boy than he ever should have been and those memories continue to haunt him. He is determined to different from his parents but afraid he's simply too much like them. Vincent made mistakes, but I loved that the author allowed you to peek into his psyche to understand why he hurt Ophelia. His character is honest, noble, self-sacrificing, generous, and handsome.

The plot is predictable but the ride is so enjoyable you really don't mind. Vincent and Ophelia get their HEA. We meet a bratty younger sister, vindictive wannabe lover, and conniving business partner among other interesting characters along the way. Vincent and Ophelia rate a 10 on steam. There are numerous scenes written in vivid details in a variety of settings that will have you reaching for a cold glass of water. This book is a treat in every sense of the word.

Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books