Fingertips: A Courageous Love Novel

A Courageous Love

by Terreece M. Clarke

The love story of Selee and Fox begins.

Genres: Romance

352 pages, Paperback

Published July 8, 2024

About the author

Terreece M. Clarke has written for various websites, magazines, and newspapers and as a YA and children's book reviewer for CommonSenseMedia.org.

Her work has garnered the attention of the New York Times, Disney.com, and Jezebel.com. Her company's digital marketing clients have landed media appearances for national outlets including Fox Business News, BET, CNN, Ebony Magazine, The Root, and MSNBC.com.

As a successful writer, journalist, entrepreneur, mother of three, and wife to one, she is often asked to lead discussions and presentations on women and parenting issues, business strategies for writers and entrepreneurs, and diversity issues including diversity in media, pop culture, and tech.

"Olivia's Potty Adventures" - a #1 Amazon New Release - is the first in a milestone series featuring children of color.

Heartbeat is her first adult romantic suspense novel.

You can find her writing through life on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook - come join the conversation!

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, but I spent the first half confused and debating whether or not to dnf it. The story had potential, but the writing was confusing and cringey.

[Noriboo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What started out as a sweet contemporary office romance turned into a suspenseful tale that had me gagged!

Absolutely loved Selene and Jacob. I adored how open Jacob was and how he was willing to go to bat for Selene. He truly had her back - even when she doesn't see it like that. I enjoyed all the drama, and it reminded me of K-drama. Which I really liked!

•••

I received an ARC from the author. My opinions are my own.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ST🌟RS
interview w the author on ijustreadthisbook—the podcast 2.27.25

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: 4.5/5
Terreece M. Clarke is quite prolific in her writing. The details she puts into describing the scenes, her characters, and their emotions bring the story together for the reader.

Being Black and Korean, I loved the representation in this story. It’s something that I rarely come across in books I’ve read, and I was so happy to be reading through scenes. Terreece took the time to incorporate correct cultural references, whether about Jacob’s parental background or the food.

I loved Selene’s character, along with her neurosis and driven personality. She was perfectly matched to Jacob. The spice scenes are hot and detailed. “Fingertips” is written in the third person. However, it didn’t bother this first-person reader at all. Having a well-plotted-out story overrides any issues.

And I’m still singing “twin, where have you been”.

[Disgusted Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Never has it ever taken me this long to finish a book. I can typically finish reading in one sitting. But with this I think it took me so long because did not understand what the hell was going on half the time.

The first chapter was great. I thought Selene was funny when she explained the reason why she was cleaning the fridge of her one night stand in the middle of the night & how she couldnt remember his name. Then ended up hitching a ride to the airport on the back of his motorcycle all while wearing a dress.

But after that she just became so cold & unlikable. I also found it cringey how Jacob kept calling Selene queen. Maybe later on down the line I will give this another read & review but im just so glad to be done with it.

[Rozay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got into this book expecting a good time and I was not disappointed. Full disclosure I was an ARC reader.

If anything I identified with Selene and her hyper independence and frankly the way she needed to actually be asked to events or told she was apart of the family that was being cultivated despite from the outside looking in she was a natural part of it. She’s ambitious, loving, successful, observant to everyone else, and she’s a true friend. Fox showing up and standing up for her was so sweet. He was respectful of her needs and frankly met her where she was to bring their love together. Selene’s anxious tick of cooking… felt that lol.

June was a pain in the ass, absolute pain and she deserved what she or from.

I’m glad despite being nervous, family issues, mistakes, and the corporate shenanigans they both allowed their love to grow and blossom into something beautiful.

I’d read this book again and again.

[Jackie Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually serene and Jacob Fox story. Serene is Shayla and Mayas best friend and also one of Mayas employees. Serene has an amazing one night stand and then has to rush to Colorado for a new build. The company they are working with happens to be ran by her one night stand and his family. She is offered the COO position and Maya was going to separate from Fox family but serene wouldn’t allow that loss of business. So they agree to keep things professional. They soon find out it is hard to deny their passion and Maya reminds her there isn’t a rule against them dating. They end up caving into the passion. We know from the other books that serene has some type of seeing capability and she’s from Appalachian Ohio. She has some weird history. We slowly are finding out more and more from her. We discover she killed 6 men when she was 16 and that’s why she’s kept herself hidden. She has had someone blackmailing her position and messing with her. She finally gets her work harassment handled and secures her job as COO. Jacob’s family comes to the ranch and his sister June is cruel to serene. Serene ends up saving Junes life when she falls in the river but serene has a miscarriage. She never told Jacob because he wanted to be there for June and she knew if she told him, he’d choose her, and that’s not why she wanted to be chosen. So she went back to Appalachia to her aunt. Momma Mary. When Fox finds out why she disappeared he rushes to her and proves himself to momma Mary before she opens up to him. They spend their days together, working and praying. But then her friends are there to visit and Jacob is kidnapped. She ends up having to kill more men. Her cousin was in on it. And she had to save Jacob’s sisters who were kidnapped. The house catches on fire and she’s trapped in it but Jacob gets her out. We think he’s gonna die but he made it too. Also forgot to say that one of the men that Serene had killed was actually Jacobs bio dad but he’s not upset with her for that. He knows he was a bad man. Jacob and serene end up working through their problems. They end up marrying at the end. Momma Mary, skates around the rink. They had a baby together. And we are set up for Logan and Juliette’s story. Logan is the tracker they call the wolf. Juliette is someone who has been briefly mentioned and serene had used her sight to save her from carbon monoxide poisoning and then Juliette had left town to heal from the loss of her husband. I am excited for their book and the more sneak peaks we keep getting of our people. I enjoyed this book. Make sure to check triggers because there is a miscarriage and that can be hard. There was some confusing writing per Terrence’s writing language but this one was the easiest to follow so far.

[LaTosha Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go start this series RIGHT NOW! It is an experience!! HD 4k 4DX. Honestly all I really and truly have to say is you need to read this book and this series immediately! My personal order preference is Chaser, Heartbeat, Love Never, Fingertips.

This was such an amazing story and Selena and Fox are some of the most dynamic characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Baby Jacob Q. Fox is a man, a myth, a book boyfriend all star mvp! Topped only by his leading lady. Selena is all the qualities I love in a fmc, she is one of my favorite heroine archetypes and she legitimately only got better as the story progressed. There are several things I loved about this book. It is both a gripping page turned that you can read in one sitting or because of the breakdowns in the chapters which are relatively short you can take your time and savior the experience. Clarke gives you compelling back stories, adult life lessons, and complex characters that you will love and hate (and yes at the end it was still eff June). There are cultural beliefs and practices that lend themselves to paranormal like elements in this contemporary romance with themes of suspense. I lived five lives and spent 2 months inside this book in 3 days. Terreece Clarke is a masterful storyteller and piles every emotion on the known spectrum into her work. Fingertips feels like both a culmination and an extension of that. There is love, loss, violence, murder, grief, rebirth, spirituality, humor, passion, chemistry, submission. This book like this series is an experience. I’ll never have to wish I could read this again for the first time because I’ll experience something new each time I come back to it.

[CLorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fingertips: A Courageous Love Novel by Terreece M. Clarke takes readers back to the rarefied yet down to earth world of Maya and Shayla but with the action mostly centered around uber assistant, Selene. Ms. Clarke always does an amazing job of showing the extreme loyalty, support and connectivity of her characters while highlighting their unique attributes. I loved and enjoyed reading about the exploits of the previous characters, but I think that Selene is now my favorite😊. Selene, on a business trip, embarks on an extraordinary one-night stand and as thrilling as this encounter proves to be, she has no intention of seeing her partner again. Her present and past hold too many complications and ghosts. The unflappable and private Selene is thrown firmly off kilter when her one-night stand turns out to be one of her firm’s clients. Jacob Fox was totally enchanted by his recent companion and intended to move heaven and earth to find her again. Fate very kindly dropped her in his lap when he arrived at the site of M. A. Designs; however, the walls she erected were almost unscalable! As usual, a Terreece M. Clarke novel is layered and rich with surprises and a visceral emotional payload. Jacob and Selene both have dysfunctional and traumatic backgrounds, yet in their different ways have continued to thrive and nurture the people in their orbit. But who will nurture them? I highly recommend this beautiful love story filled with passion, an intense dose of spirituality and one of the “baddest” MFCs ever!
https://theretiredreader.com/f/finger...

[Cheryll Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fingertips is an exquisite symphony, weaving together the threads of love, loss, and resilience. Terreece , in her third instalment of her A Courageous Love Series, invites readers into the vibrant world of the three friends and business partners involving , Selene navigating the complexities of identity, family, her past and destiny. The novel’s heartbeat lies in its exploration of generational trauma bonds, spirituality and learning to love. As Selene deals with family secrets as well as her own, we witness the resilience of Black women and the meaning behind sisterhood and making a family vs being born into one—their strength, vulnerability, and unwavering love. The love story between Selene and her assumed one night stand Jacob Fox is a show of chemistry, harmony and openness of learning not only each other but themselves. This book made me angry, cry both happy and sad tears but wrapped it all up in a very satisfying manner.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terreece M. Clarke puts the suspense in Romantic Suspense! First let me say thank you for the ARC of your latest novel, Fingertips, releasing on 7/10. Lovers of shows like Girlfriends or Sistas - this is a must read!

The level of sisterhood across the series is top tier, but in this novel we really see the power of supportive friendships in navigating challenges. In addition to these beautiful friendships, we also get steamy, romantic, passionate love! Fox and Selene take you on a roller coaster of emotions that have you cycling through wanting to throw our kindles across the room and keeping our eyes glued to the screen. And the spicy times are so intimate that the love and intensity feels like it's pouring from the pages.

I truly can't gush about this book enough. Terreece M. Clarke has crafted a suspenseful, sensual romance that is a definite 5-star read. Fans of the genre are going to devour this one!

[She Reads What She Wants · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, im feeling like this one is my favorite in the series thus far. I was so in a trance reading about Selene and Jacob. I was stuck into the love that Jacob was showing and how intentional he was with her. I hurt for Selene when I read about the trauma that she's been through in life and how she was not feeling like she was worthy of the type of love her friends were trying to give her.

Also...that Funeral scene...HAHAHAHAHA I laughed so hard because people may or may not need to take a page of this book and tell the truth sometimes!

I also was hurt and feeling all the despair that Selene felt(im not gonna include a spoiler, you will know when you get there) I was sat in my seat just as she was stuck in her spot. And when things were more than what they seemed, I cried, I smiled, and I rejoiced with them.

Definitely loved this book and am so happy that I got the chance to ready it!

[Tracy - loves to read · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best reward for courage

Is love! Selene didn’t think she could have great things, she was undeserving, and unworthy. Everytime she was happy or in the path to it, she felt like it was too good to be true and the show was going to drop. She had an extremely traumatic life that she couldn’t truly and fully escape from.

Jacob had trauma too. He was working towards healing but could get triggered. He had to be everything, to everyone and be there for everyone and protect everyone. He had to prove he was good enough and worthy enough of love and acceptance.

Some people and circumstances just won’t let people be great and happy. There are some seriously disturbing, selfish, and self serving people in both of their lives - professional and family. They kept hitting roadblocks built up by fear.

Both had their struggles to overcome and strengths that they embodied but together they were courageous and deserving of all of the love.

Excellent read!

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww, damn, I wanna do that too💜

Wow, wow, wow. I mean, when you can submerge yourself in the tale of the characters enough that you feel their feels. The detail of the subject touched lets you experience the true nature of each one. Fox (Jacob) love for Selene may seem like obsession to others, but if you understand pure feelings, then you'll comprehend him. Now Selene is something else, and from the beginning of their one night, multiple done stand, she intrigued me. I was never disappointed in the turn of events of Fox and Selene story. I love that even through the pain and hurt, the author took them through accountability of their actions and did what so many are not willing to do. Talk it out. Love, honor, respect, pain, anxiety, strength, obsession, responsibility, accountability, and spirituality (on a hand to earth feel) are just a few i was able to gather as I read. Amazing.

[Tashae' · Rating 4 out of 5]

She has done it AGAIN!

Selene and Fox had me grinning and kicking my feet this entire book!

Begin with a one night stand, move to business partners and end with love.

This was a read filled with spice, drama, romance, found family and laughs. I will say when Fox's sisters May & June entered the chat, I wasn't a fan of their attitudes and spoiled rotten behinds. June definitely gotta be watched, she's a sneaky one.

Both Selene and Fox had their past issues to work out and overcome to know they deserved love and it was worth taking a chance on each other to receive that love.

I loved how Maya and Shayla continued their love and support of their bestie and made her feel like family. Their friendship and sisterhood was one of my fave parts of the book.

Also the playlist included in the book, was TOP TEIR!!!! Highly recommended this read!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok. So you know how authors do music playlists??? Well, Ms Terreece M. Clarke annotated hers. It’s really cool: to hear the songs that inspired her scenes. At that scene. Also, excellent taste in music. :)

This story features a strong and black woman, Selene. I liked her immediately. It starts off as a pretty standard love story but then goes off the trail for some folklore inspired adventures. I loved it.

There is a Korean mixed MMC and we have bits of his culture worked in on top of the beautiful black culture woven into the story.

Found family. Trauma healing and revealing, and lots of healthy, adult communication. It’s refreshing to read. Also, Ms Clarke wrote some hilarious parts and had me laughing.

It’s a good read and I could not put it down. I read it all within 24 hours. #worthit.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strength

I love Ms Clarke's books. But at first, I was not sure if I was going to like this one. I loved the beginning, especially when Serene cleaned Fox's refrigerator. I love quirky characters. However, I was not able to really connect with her until the HR incident. Then, I saw her strength in face of her vulnerability. Then as the book progressed, I saw that Serene's secret was not a small thing but actually something big. I should have known Ms Clarke was not going to give a "mountain out of a molehill" issue but to my defense, it's been some time since I read her last book. So I could not remember why I love her books, just that I love them. And this was a great reminder. Serene and Fox are now my fave of Ms Clarke's characters.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been following Terreece Clarke for a while, but this was the first book of hers I read. Let me tell you, it didn't disapoint!! I loved every minute of it. From the the blazing chemistry between Fox and Serene to the mysterious things happening. There's drama, suspense, chemistry, love, family, friendship and so much more. I laughed so much throughout reading it as the plot was beautifully written. There were also gripping moments that took my breath away and left me shook. Maya, Shayla, and all the secondary characters were fantastic as well. I will going back to read the other books in the series. Such an amazing read that I'd definitely recommend.

[Tamekia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fox x Selene ❤️‍🔥

Whew the ride Fox and Selene took me through during this book 😫 I loved every minute of it though 🫣 I knew from the jump that their relationship was going to be a challenge but they worked through it though! Selene tried hard to fight this love from the very beginning but Fox wasn’t having it 🤭

This book was a workplace romance (unbeknownst to them in the beginning). It’s also part of a series called Courageous Love! Check out this series!! No seriously.. Tap in!! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you may even throw your kindle a time or two, but most of all you’ll fall in love with these characters 🥰

P.S. I’m loving the black cowboy vibes in this series!

[Angela Ramey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep, loving and exciting from one end to the other!

This author is new to me but she will be on my reading list for a very long time! I love her writing style and I love her writing style and character development Her story lines are intricate and unpredictable And exciting.. I couldn't wait to finish this novel, then move on to the next. So many unexpected twists. There is pain and triumph, Love and affection and Passion. So many lessons: Don't judge a book by it's cover, You can absolutely triumph over your past, The family you choose can be even more important than the family you're born into and If you're going to love, give it your whole heart and don't give up.

[Sonya F · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ One thing about Ms. Clarke, is she gonna put y’all through itttt!! This book is no less of a wild suspense as the other books in her series but I think Selene and Fox are my faves because their journey was so powerful and special which is hard for me because I love my man Xavier heavy! Fox definitely takes the cake as my favorite MMC in her series. His emotional intelligence and the way Selene and him communicate is so powerful and beautiful. I wanted more of their story and sad to see the series end (or maybe not?!!) listen there’s nothing this beautiful woman writes that I won’t read so bump this up on your TBR ASAP! Thank you for letting me ARC read this!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me through the gamut of emotions. I am #TeamSelene all the way. If anyone deserves an HEA, it is her. I gotta say that Fox had me wanting to hurt him and his sister to boot. I was ranting out loud for all the hurt and pain that Selen has been subjected to. Plot twists and a touch of paranormal kept me glued to this book. What an adventure! It was great to revisit the characters from previous books.



Excellent book! be prepared to be in your feels when reading. I voluntarily read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Mo Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every book in this series, which were all great, but Fingertips is by far the BEST. I would even say that it is on my top 5 book list. I laughed, cried, and cheered for all of the characters in this book. Fingertips is so deep, family oriented, sisterhood, brotherhood, loving, caring, 10 toes down (if you go, I’m going with you) type of relationships. Fox and Selene have an undeniable chemistry that is off the charts, but are they willing to put in the work to have everlasting love. I immensely enjoyed reading this book. I would absolutely recommend reading this book.

[Rachel Johnson-Nanoski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tender Love

Selene and Fox are complex broken fierce survivors who have a cosmic connection. The Colorado rancher connection is strong. Selene is unapologetically bold, strong, loyal, independent. Fox is unapologetically protective, honest, loyal, loving. Both are children who have experienced paternal love and loss. I think it grounded them in knowing their worth. The universe push’s and pulls them together and apart throughout the story. I had to put the book down a few times because I wanted to savor the story. TMC…does not disappoint.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOVELY STORY

I loved and enjoyed reading Jaccob and Selene's story,loved the characters as well. I found there were a bit of grammatical errors misplaced words for one. I was wondering where is Xavier's father there was only his mother was in the story, I was also surprised at the ending I was expecting to find out about May and June after they were kidnapped and was Selene pregnant again? Just saying with that said I would still recommend reading this book to anyone who love suspense and heat in your story.

[Mrsz_reads13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fingertips is so beautifully written ❤️. Terreece M Clarke writes Complex FMCs alongside Passionate MCs that puts love and family first. Words within this book read as poetry for a love your fighting for, or lyrics of a song 🎵. I laughed 😅 and was a bit misty eyed a few times. These characters are both a bit flawed, that only makes them stronger ❤️ 🤲. Do not sleep on this book...I thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried, I laughed, I was angry, I fell in love with this book. Terreece M. Clarke took beautiful characters and brought them to life. To see the insecurities of Jacob and his will to overcome them made him human. The strength of Selene, her friendship and the love she has for her family and those she chooses is so reminding of people we know. The twists and turns in this book were just enough to keep me from putting this book away. Honestly, I am in awe. 10/10.

[Nadia Latai (Nadiasbookishworld86) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75🌟
Fingertips was my first book by Terreece M. Clarke and I am a fan for life !! This workplace romance, boss/ employee, ranch romance was addictive!!! 🩷🩷🩷🩷 The heated connection between Selene and Fox was palpable and kept me turning the pages!!! I blushed so much throughout this book as well as sometimes yelling during dramatic moments. This was a great time!! I want more of this author, these characters, just 💋💋💋🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this was another great book. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. Selena and Fox were emotional ties together we all know that they were meant to be together. The chemistry and physical attraction and the sexual tension was mind blowing of passion and love. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[Goodgirlkeepreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

another masterpiece in the series

Terreece has a way of stringing together the perfect combination of romance and suspense in one tight package. As always I loved the family dynamic between all the characters and enjoyed seeing my faves from previous books featured in Selene and fox’s story. I’m happy Selene finally has someone to love her the way she has loved everyone in her life. The past couldn’t stop what her future held and she deserved it all.