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Love Always #3
Less Than Forever
Raven Daniels and Dorian Thomas have been best friends since college. But while the free-spirited bond they share holds their relationship together, it’s also the reason they both know they’re better off as friends—flirty friends, but friends.
So when Raven decides to leave her old life and cheating ex behind in Fort Worth and move to Dorian’s turf in sunny Miami to take a job as a middle school art teacher, they’re both excited about the prospect of being around one another full-time. As the social media manger at a prominent company, Dorian knows his city, and he’s eager to show his girl the ropes.
But one night, emotions run high and everything about their platonic relationship is put to the test. A series of events is set in motion that neither one of them is prepared for, events that force them to answer the question... is love always worth it?
So when Raven decides to leave her old life and cheating ex behind in Fort Worth and move to Dorian’s turf in sunny Miami to take a job as a middle school art teacher, they’re both excited about the prospect of being around one another full-time. As the social media manger at a prominent company, Dorian knows his city, and he’s eager to show his girl the ropes.
But one night, emotions run high and everything about their platonic relationship is put to the test. A series of events is set in motion that neither one of them is prepared for, events that force them to answer the question... is love always worth it?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
37 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Jacinta Howard
21 books502 followersJacinta Howard is an Atlanta-based culture journalist, editor and author with more than a decade of experience across genres of media. Her bylined articles have appeared at Eater, Atlanta magazine, Shondaland, Denver Westword, BET, and Rock The Bells, LL Cool J’s media company, where she served as managing editor. Jacinta’s 2022 article about the chicken wings served at Magic City, Atlanta’s world-famous strip club, was nominated for an American Society of Magazine Editors Award, and her novels have been featured in USA Today, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Book Riot and OkayAfrica. She digs summertime, flip flops, old fashioneds, deep bass lines, good lyrics, goofy jokes, and kind people. She also believes there’s an Andre 3000 lyric to fit any situation. Her happy place is hanging on the beach somewhere with her family, preferably with a good book and a dope playlist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 13, 2015
Since I read the first two books in this series, falling into Less Than Forever felt like becoming reacquainted with old friends, which is appropriate since it's a story about friends falling in love, or at least, finally getting to a place in their lives where they can openly acknowledge that they always have been in love.
Dorian is 'The Man', the playboy, the one among Raven's circle of longtime friends who has the gift of the gab and is extremely popular with the ladies. While they have always had a simmering attraction for each other, there was a clear line in the sand between them. Dorian would never 'go there' with her because he wasn't ready for a commitment, and Raven wouldn't because she knew in her heart that Dorian was the one who could just ... slay her. But one night, when she is at her most vulnerable, and needs his comfort, they basically say the heck with the line and cross it. Though it wasn't well thought-out, its well-timed. Raven has just moved to Miami and Dorian is not in a relationship because he, well, he doesn't do those.
I loved that Jacinta Howard didn't mess around with the often tedious running away and chasing segment that romance novel heroes and heroines often dither about for about a quarter of the entire book. Instead, Dorian and Raven openly acknowledge pretty much right away that what happened between them was not merely physical. Their longtime friendship, their comfort with each other, and the fact that they're basically each other's favorite people leaves no room for denial that something explosive has taken place.
In fact Raven lays her cards on the table in a way that is incredibly refreshing: "I'm not going to share you, Dorian," she tells him. "I can't." And there is no question that while he doesn't say it in quite the same way, Dorian can't share her either.
But that's where it gets interesting ... what are they going to do about it? Does Dorian immediately abandon his playboy persona now that he and Raven have admitted that their feelings go far deeper than friendship? And does Raven dismiss her fears (and her prior knowledge) about the kind of man Dorian has been? After all, as one of his best friends, she's had a front row view to how he treats women, and some of it wasn't pretty.
Jacinta Howard's portrayal of Raven and Dorian figuring our their relationship is modern romance at its finest. Sexual intimacy happens early (and often) but the deeper emotional territory, even between people who know each other well, is much harder to navigate. For two people who've spent years "kicking it", what do they call each other now? How do they handle former flames, social lives and living situations? And later, how do each of them respectively handle all the baggage they bring into a relationship that is far more important than any they've ever had before?
The author provided answers that were more than satisfactory and made perfect sense; and the absence of gratuitous "drama", villains and villainesses, or contrived misunderstandings made this book a lot more enjoyable for me. I didn't need anything to "happen", I just wanted to understand why they both did some of the dumb-ass things they did. She provided those answers too, and in doing so, kept true to a theme that is a thread uniting all the Love Always books--the myriad ways that one's family and childhood can shape how they see themselves, and how they live and love. And finally, as always, reading Jacinta Howard's work was like the answer to a casually asked question about people you know: "So how'd Dorian and Raven get together?" They're incredibly familiar, and you feel real ... affection for them by the time the book is done.
No soap opera plot twists, just good romance in a brand new, neo-soul package. If that sounds good to you, I highly recommend it.
Dorian is 'The Man', the playboy, the one among Raven's circle of longtime friends who has the gift of the gab and is extremely popular with the ladies. While they have always had a simmering attraction for each other, there was a clear line in the sand between them. Dorian would never 'go there' with her because he wasn't ready for a commitment, and Raven wouldn't because she knew in her heart that Dorian was the one who could just ... slay her. But one night, when she is at her most vulnerable, and needs his comfort, they basically say the heck with the line and cross it. Though it wasn't well thought-out, its well-timed. Raven has just moved to Miami and Dorian is not in a relationship because he, well, he doesn't do those.
I loved that Jacinta Howard didn't mess around with the often tedious running away and chasing segment that romance novel heroes and heroines often dither about for about a quarter of the entire book. Instead, Dorian and Raven openly acknowledge pretty much right away that what happened between them was not merely physical. Their longtime friendship, their comfort with each other, and the fact that they're basically each other's favorite people leaves no room for denial that something explosive has taken place.
In fact Raven lays her cards on the table in a way that is incredibly refreshing: "I'm not going to share you, Dorian," she tells him. "I can't." And there is no question that while he doesn't say it in quite the same way, Dorian can't share her either.
But that's where it gets interesting ... what are they going to do about it? Does Dorian immediately abandon his playboy persona now that he and Raven have admitted that their feelings go far deeper than friendship? And does Raven dismiss her fears (and her prior knowledge) about the kind of man Dorian has been? After all, as one of his best friends, she's had a front row view to how he treats women, and some of it wasn't pretty.
Jacinta Howard's portrayal of Raven and Dorian figuring our their relationship is modern romance at its finest. Sexual intimacy happens early (and often) but the deeper emotional territory, even between people who know each other well, is much harder to navigate. For two people who've spent years "kicking it", what do they call each other now? How do they handle former flames, social lives and living situations? And later, how do each of them respectively handle all the baggage they bring into a relationship that is far more important than any they've ever had before?
The author provided answers that were more than satisfactory and made perfect sense; and the absence of gratuitous "drama", villains and villainesses, or contrived misunderstandings made this book a lot more enjoyable for me. I didn't need anything to "happen", I just wanted to understand why they both did some of the dumb-ass things they did. She provided those answers too, and in doing so, kept true to a theme that is a thread uniting all the Love Always books--the myriad ways that one's family and childhood can shape how they see themselves, and how they live and love. And finally, as always, reading Jacinta Howard's work was like the answer to a casually asked question about people you know: "So how'd Dorian and Raven get together?" They're incredibly familiar, and you feel real ... affection for them by the time the book is done.
No soap opera plot twists, just good romance in a brand new, neo-soul package. If that sounds good to you, I highly recommend it.
July 9, 2015
I impatiently waited for this novel about Dorian and Raven to drop, and when it did, I was so glad. I’m happy to report that Ms. Howard didn’t disappoint. This couple was cute and funny and the sex between them was sensual and sweet. You could almost feel the emotions as well as the lust. That one scene against the wall...wow.
The thing that I enjoyed in this novel is what I’ve enjoyed in Howard’s other books—the fact that you take the journey with the couple and watch them grow closer, sort out their issues (personal and external), and fall in love. No drama. Just real relationship “stuff.” And they were absolutely perfect together.
The thing that I enjoyed in this novel is what I’ve enjoyed in Howard’s other books—the fact that you take the journey with the couple and watch them grow closer, sort out their issues (personal and external), and fall in love. No drama. Just real relationship “stuff.” And they were absolutely perfect together.
July 19, 2015
Dorian & Raven- BRAB ONLINE BOOK
Ever since I met Dorian and Raven in Better Than Okay, I have wanted to read their story. Their chemistry was just jumping off the pages and I just knew they would be good together. Well, she did not disappoint, this book was the absolute page-turner for me.
Their story was written with the right amount of drama, humor and terrific sex scenes that just jumped off the pages. I really enjoyed the series and hope that sometime in the future the author may consider a " where they are now" story.
Ever since I met Dorian and Raven in Better Than Okay, I have wanted to read their story. Their chemistry was just jumping off the pages and I just knew they would be good together. Well, she did not disappoint, this book was the absolute page-turner for me.
Their story was written with the right amount of drama, humor and terrific sex scenes that just jumped off the pages. I really enjoyed the series and hope that sometime in the future the author may consider a " where they are now" story.
June 23, 2015
APB Perspective Reviews :
I Loved the first book in the "Love Always Series ( Better Than Okay)" and I love the third book in the series just as much. Dorian, we finally get to know him better , he was more than I expected, more loving , more sensitive and a little bit of a asshole but not the way I thought he would be. Sometimes when a man is in a relationship, he does what he wants and not what the woman needs , I felt Dorian was that way . Raven insecurities were understandable , but a little annoying, considering she really knew Brian as a friend first, I understood her reasons for feeling the way she did. As I was reading this books my first thought was the details were certainly well written .Let me explain, in the beginning of the book I was introduced to Ravens grandfather , little things he did , and said to her , the details were so well written the drew me to him , made me want to know him more,as well as what was going on with Raven and Dorian. I took my time enjoying this book , I felt this book was my reward because I truly enjoyed it. This book is about relationships , what happens with regular people , there is passionate story to tell and it will defiantly keep you interested. It was so good to catch up with Brian and Destiny, good to see how their relationship continues to do well . I think this is a good place end this well written series, but I wouldn't mind catching up with later in their lives to see how their life stories progressed.
I Loved the first book in the "Love Always Series ( Better Than Okay)" and I love the third book in the series just as much. Dorian, we finally get to know him better , he was more than I expected, more loving , more sensitive and a little bit of a asshole but not the way I thought he would be. Sometimes when a man is in a relationship, he does what he wants and not what the woman needs , I felt Dorian was that way . Raven insecurities were understandable , but a little annoying, considering she really knew Brian as a friend first, I understood her reasons for feeling the way she did. As I was reading this books my first thought was the details were certainly well written .Let me explain, in the beginning of the book I was introduced to Ravens grandfather , little things he did , and said to her , the details were so well written the drew me to him , made me want to know him more,as well as what was going on with Raven and Dorian. I took my time enjoying this book , I felt this book was my reward because I truly enjoyed it. This book is about relationships , what happens with regular people , there is passionate story to tell and it will defiantly keep you interested. It was so good to catch up with Brian and Destiny, good to see how their relationship continues to do well . I think this is a good place end this well written series, but I wouldn't mind catching up with later in their lives to see how their life stories progressed.
June 9, 2019
I just loved this book and it's characters so much. I'm really grateful that I've been reading authors like Jacinta lately. I'm a HUGE romance fan but I've only been reading about people that look like me very recently. It's so important and it's so vital that you have books like this that remind you that all types of people fall in love - not just attractive white people. Thank you for doing what you do Jacinta.
July 5, 2015
More greatness from a favorite author
This is my favorite of her books so far. Raven is just real. her hopes, struggle, experience and pain are just real and soon relatable. Which makes the realization of her relationship with Dorian all the more rewarding.
This is my favorite of her books so far. Raven is just real. her hopes, struggle, experience and pain are just real and soon relatable. Which makes the realization of her relationship with Dorian all the more rewarding.
July 23, 2015
**MEGAN'S REVIEW**
Friends to more is always a hard concept for me to fall hard for when reading. I have certain key elements that have to come across for me to really connect and feel the fall for the couple. With Less Than Forever, I am starting with an added bonus… it’s part of a series! Which means I already have a fond love for these characters.
Although, the blurb tells you this is a standalone, I think you are doing yourself an injustice by not reading the other books in the series (let alone ALL of the books by this author). Even though Dorian and Raven weren’t the main couple/characters in More Than Okay and More Than Forever, they were the BFF’s to Brian and Destiny and you are privy to their beginning friendship. You follow their friendly banter all the way through to their time in Less Than Forever. You’ll learn that it is just how they are!
If you read the two other books in the series you’ve waited for this moment. For Dorian to finally throw out his play book and for Raven to be Dorian’s only play. Their friendly structure made their questionable jump sturdier than giving an outsider a chance. But, even though their getting together was a no brainer for all involved, letting that final all-in-compassed last string was the hardest to let go. They struggle with the obvious want of each other but also with the knowledge of just how the other person is. And most importantly WHAT that other person wants and expects. I loved when Dorian and Raven were themselves, LOVED it when they had awesome fun conversations. But most of all of loved when it wasn’t nice and lovey dovey. I loved when issues arose that sometimes they went with it and other times it was just enough to break the camel’s back. I hate that it had to happen but at the same time as a reader I enjoyed their struggles all the while biting my nails.
It’s all about what happens when you decide to take that leap. I’m all in…but what does that mean. For men and woman, oh how can that mean so many things? Dorian was Ravens and Raven was his. No mistake there. No question. But to the outside world? Do you shout it at the roof top? Or do you let them all figure it out?
“It’s not that simple. You don’t know what you want,”
“You”
“But what does that even mean?”
“It means I want you and I only want you. I don’t just want you. I crave you, Raven.”
There is just something about Jacinta’s writing that the instant I see her name I am signing up on any list I can to read her words. I like how she makes me feel, I like the way she tells her story and I love her characters. If you want crazy childish drama, or drama fantasized up just for the sake of having it, then you have the wrong book and the wrong author. Jacinta gives us the definition of real. She doesn’t need to play up anything. Life isn’t always that crazy drama, it’s real and I love that her books are just like that. When people are just trying to figure out if she/he is worth the risk there is enough drama just with that. Learning to trust. To let go. Jacinta did amazing at telling this awesome friends to more story for two characters who we all knew were meant for each other but not until they were in their right place.
Their right place is finally here!
Friends to more is always a hard concept for me to fall hard for when reading. I have certain key elements that have to come across for me to really connect and feel the fall for the couple. With Less Than Forever, I am starting with an added bonus… it’s part of a series! Which means I already have a fond love for these characters.
Although, the blurb tells you this is a standalone, I think you are doing yourself an injustice by not reading the other books in the series (let alone ALL of the books by this author). Even though Dorian and Raven weren’t the main couple/characters in More Than Okay and More Than Forever, they were the BFF’s to Brian and Destiny and you are privy to their beginning friendship. You follow their friendly banter all the way through to their time in Less Than Forever. You’ll learn that it is just how they are!
If you read the two other books in the series you’ve waited for this moment. For Dorian to finally throw out his play book and for Raven to be Dorian’s only play. Their friendly structure made their questionable jump sturdier than giving an outsider a chance. But, even though their getting together was a no brainer for all involved, letting that final all-in-compassed last string was the hardest to let go. They struggle with the obvious want of each other but also with the knowledge of just how the other person is. And most importantly WHAT that other person wants and expects. I loved when Dorian and Raven were themselves, LOVED it when they had awesome fun conversations. But most of all of loved when it wasn’t nice and lovey dovey. I loved when issues arose that sometimes they went with it and other times it was just enough to break the camel’s back. I hate that it had to happen but at the same time as a reader I enjoyed their struggles all the while biting my nails.
It’s all about what happens when you decide to take that leap. I’m all in…but what does that mean. For men and woman, oh how can that mean so many things? Dorian was Ravens and Raven was his. No mistake there. No question. But to the outside world? Do you shout it at the roof top? Or do you let them all figure it out?
“It’s not that simple. You don’t know what you want,”
“You”
“But what does that even mean?”
“It means I want you and I only want you. I don’t just want you. I crave you, Raven.”
There is just something about Jacinta’s writing that the instant I see her name I am signing up on any list I can to read her words. I like how she makes me feel, I like the way she tells her story and I love her characters. If you want crazy childish drama, or drama fantasized up just for the sake of having it, then you have the wrong book and the wrong author. Jacinta gives us the definition of real. She doesn’t need to play up anything. Life isn’t always that crazy drama, it’s real and I love that her books are just like that. When people are just trying to figure out if she/he is worth the risk there is enough drama just with that. Learning to trust. To let go. Jacinta did amazing at telling this awesome friends to more story for two characters who we all knew were meant for each other but not until they were in their right place.
Their right place is finally here!
June 22, 2015
Raven has finally settled in since her move to Miami, but when tragedy strikes near to the heart she finds she's out of sorts with her feelings for her long time friend, Dorian. For years 'Chipmunk' and 'Clarence' have been there for each other, but when friends turn to lovers and old wounds bring about fresh insecurities, will this picture perfect friendship survive..or will coloring outside the lines bring about a forever kind of love?
I had to take a sec to formulate this review. Whew, I will say it again, I just don't know how Howard packs so many emotions into these books. It is kind of shocking she has only been writing for a short time because her words are steeped in some passion-filled concoction that just speaks to the soul. There are only a few authors I have found that can do that. Not only reach your mind but touch your heart with words; it's just effortless for Howard. I throughly enjoyed this storyline because it was relatable and plausible which is also a plus for me. Being an educator, I totally understood Raven's emotions about her job and some of her situations mimicked my very own. The plot's highs and lows were very well paced; all good aspects when considering timelines.
Ohhh the characters! I loveeee Dorian and Raven's friendship. I can not standdd when people fall in love in a few days in books, so their progression into lovers even with past hangups made perfect sense. They were really magnetic and reading about them always made a smile grace my face. It was just natural and seemed so real as if these were your friends. I also enjoyed catching up with Destiny and Brian, another fav couple in the Love Always series.
In the epilogue, I was glad that Dorian's own past demons seem to be at rest and he had found peace with a few things that bothered him. I hate this was the last in this series; you never want to see a good read end.
I had to take a sec to formulate this review. Whew, I will say it again, I just don't know how Howard packs so many emotions into these books. It is kind of shocking she has only been writing for a short time because her words are steeped in some passion-filled concoction that just speaks to the soul. There are only a few authors I have found that can do that. Not only reach your mind but touch your heart with words; it's just effortless for Howard. I throughly enjoyed this storyline because it was relatable and plausible which is also a plus for me. Being an educator, I totally understood Raven's emotions about her job and some of her situations mimicked my very own. The plot's highs and lows were very well paced; all good aspects when considering timelines.
Ohhh the characters! I loveeee Dorian and Raven's friendship. I can not standdd when people fall in love in a few days in books, so their progression into lovers even with past hangups made perfect sense. They were really magnetic and reading about them always made a smile grace my face. It was just natural and seemed so real as if these were your friends. I also enjoyed catching up with Destiny and Brian, another fav couple in the Love Always series.
In the epilogue, I was glad that Dorian's own past demons seem to be at rest and he had found peace with a few things that bothered him. I hate this was the last in this series; you never want to see a good read end.
July 23, 2015
Well, Jacinta Howard knocks it out of the park again! Thanks for taking on Dorian and Raven's journey to real, grown- up love. And thanks for giving Chrissy a grown man to love, as well. She's been through enough clowns, lol.
i really enjoyed getting to know Dorian, Raven, Bryan and Destiny, and I hate to see this series come to an end, but I'm pretty sure Ms. Howard is hard at work creating new characters to fall in love with. I can't wait to meet them!
Thanks so much for another great story!
i really enjoyed getting to know Dorian, Raven, Bryan and Destiny, and I hate to see this series come to an end, but I'm pretty sure Ms. Howard is hard at work creating new characters to fall in love with. I can't wait to meet them!
Thanks so much for another great story!
November 22, 2015
Realistic love story with a great ending
I loved how this book gave a real perspective on love and relationships. This book showed that the friendship which led to live endured the trials because there was a solid foundation. I was feeling all of the frustrations, the anger , the happiness and sadness , the uncertainty and glad when the clarity showed the the love they shared kept them ultimately together ! I loved this love story !!!!
I loved how this book gave a real perspective on love and relationships. This book showed that the friendship which led to live endured the trials because there was a solid foundation. I was feeling all of the frustrations, the anger , the happiness and sadness , the uncertainty and glad when the clarity showed the the love they shared kept them ultimately together ! I loved this love story !!!!
September 26, 2016
Book 3
Dorian and Raven's story leaves you smiling as you flip the pages! I can join other readers by saying I have NOW read everything that Jacinta Howard has written. She's a gifted and talented writer. Her characters are fun , sometimes serious and always love hard!! I always end up with my own soundtrack after I finish because music is always mentioned but not overbearing for me it helps me visualize the characters. Looking forward to reading more from Ms. Howard!!
Dorian and Raven's story leaves you smiling as you flip the pages! I can join other readers by saying I have NOW read everything that Jacinta Howard has written. She's a gifted and talented writer. Her characters are fun , sometimes serious and always love hard!! I always end up with my own soundtrack after I finish because music is always mentioned but not overbearing for me it helps me visualize the characters. Looking forward to reading more from Ms. Howard!!
July 12, 2015
Jacinta Howard is a delightful storyteller. This is my favorite of this series and second only to her first novel Happiness in Jersey. There is a depth to her work that very few writers of this genre reach consistently. The character development is exceptional. The humor and flow of the dialog are perfect.
Read
July 12, 2015Enjoyable Book
This was my favorite of the series. Raven and Dorian were best friends through the years and we go through their transition to more. This was a nice conclusion to the series.
This was my favorite of the series. Raven and Dorian were best friends through the years and we go through their transition to more. This was a nice conclusion to the series.
June 24, 2016
Love Always series rocks!
I the writing style of Jacinta, her books have so much personality. Loved the relationships she developed with the different characters. I loved Brian and Destiny and truly adore Dorian and Raven. Great work Jacinta!!
I the writing style of Jacinta, her books have so much personality. Loved the relationships she developed with the different characters. I loved Brian and Destiny and truly adore Dorian and Raven. Great work Jacinta!!
August 22, 2015
4.5 stars
July 17, 2015
I knew Dorian and Raven had chemistry in the first two books in the series and I was excited that the author chose to let a relationship blossom between them. Very sensual read.
August 19, 2015
Loved it. Need to add review.
February 11, 2016
Love, love, love Dorian
May 6, 2020
3.5 but it was worth rounding up. I enjoyed the series as a whole
This book is slower than the others
I don’t like raven’s description of shad boring and safe. She’s def using him. And to call his unmanly 🙄 I hope she does right by him and let him go instead of dooming him out. Don’t mess him up fir the next girl. Plus she knows how it feels for someone to treat her shitty
Dorian is always the jokester I’m glad to see him get emotional. I love his quick wit always
Dorian- so what was that? *Raven tells him like it is.* Dorian - we’re not doing this here. 🤔 if roles were refused he would’ve snapped so I’m not sure what he’s on right now
Damn Dorian is really messing up. Get it together bruh
I love that Dorian doesn’t just consider destiny his cousin but his sister
The mystery of chipmunk and Clarence solved. 🤗 I’m with Nathan. Not so much on the chipmunk piece but on Clarence
Lupita 😭😭
I’m so glad things finally worked out for Chrissy and Tony ended up being a stand up guy.
I was wondering how less than forever was gonna be worked in, it was great.
I’m so glad Dorian and raven was able to navigate all the drama and still come out on top. Dorian was my favorite character in the entire series, the jokester, the playboy that finally took a chance on love. And even though there were some hiccups he made small changes for the better never losing his core self.
I noticed that once Brian started dating destiny he didn’t use tweety/tweet, her nickname as much as he did before their relationship transitioned. Dorian used Raven more too once they got together but he still used chipmunk quite a bit. Random observation
This book is slower than the others
I don’t like raven’s description of shad boring and safe. She’s def using him. And to call his unmanly 🙄 I hope she does right by him and let him go instead of dooming him out. Don’t mess him up fir the next girl. Plus she knows how it feels for someone to treat her shitty
Dorian is always the jokester I’m glad to see him get emotional. I love his quick wit always
Dorian- so what was that? *Raven tells him like it is.* Dorian - we’re not doing this here. 🤔 if roles were refused he would’ve snapped so I’m not sure what he’s on right now
Damn Dorian is really messing up. Get it together bruh
I love that Dorian doesn’t just consider destiny his cousin but his sister
The mystery of chipmunk and Clarence solved. 🤗 I’m with Nathan. Not so much on the chipmunk piece but on Clarence
Lupita 😭😭
I’m so glad things finally worked out for Chrissy and Tony ended up being a stand up guy.
I was wondering how less than forever was gonna be worked in, it was great.
I’m so glad Dorian and raven was able to navigate all the drama and still come out on top. Dorian was my favorite character in the entire series, the jokester, the playboy that finally took a chance on love. And even though there were some hiccups he made small changes for the better never losing his core self.
I noticed that once Brian started dating destiny he didn’t use tweety/tweet, her nickname as much as he did before their relationship transitioned. Dorian used Raven more too once they got together but he still used chipmunk quite a bit. Random observation
February 19, 2020
Perfect Cute Story
Raven and Dorian. While I was reading part about Brian and Destiny I couldn’t wait to hear the Clarence and Chipmunk story. It was a roller coaster that I loved the entire time. Didn’t expect the nicknames origin to be so simple, and that’s what made the story good. It was just real. Could say I had a favorite part, didn’t really think about it. Until “Voyage to Atlantis “ being played!!! (Note Isley Bro top ten smoothest ever) I almost fainted. Great song for a great moment.
Raven and Dorian. While I was reading part about Brian and Destiny I couldn’t wait to hear the Clarence and Chipmunk story. It was a roller coaster that I loved the entire time. Didn’t expect the nicknames origin to be so simple, and that’s what made the story good. It was just real. Could say I had a favorite part, didn’t really think about it. Until “Voyage to Atlantis “ being played!!! (Note Isley Bro top ten smoothest ever) I almost fainted. Great song for a great moment.
July 1, 2017
Another beautifully written book by Ms. Howard.
I enjoyed the long friendship of the characters that turned into wonderful life long lovers. It is reading wonderful urban stories with well educated and strong brothers that allows me to counter what the media is always promoting about our brothers. Ms.Howard portrays real brothers that exist in her books and I LOVE it! Us sisters have always been the the Bomb! This was a very enjoyable read.
I enjoyed the long friendship of the characters that turned into wonderful life long lovers. It is reading wonderful urban stories with well educated and strong brothers that allows me to counter what the media is always promoting about our brothers. Ms.Howard portrays real brothers that exist in her books and I LOVE it! Us sisters have always been the the Bomb! This was a very enjoyable read.
May 27, 2025
Love endures…
Is how Jacinta Howard sums up book 3 in the Love Always series. Raven and Dorian most definitely went through their share of trials, but who wants easy if you can go through obstacles and come out on the other side battle-tested and stronger than ever? I enjoyed this series and can't wait for her new release!
Is how Jacinta Howard sums up book 3 in the Love Always series. Raven and Dorian most definitely went through their share of trials, but who wants easy if you can go through obstacles and come out on the other side battle-tested and stronger than ever? I enjoyed this series and can't wait for her new release!
December 14, 2017
Took me awhile to get back to jacinta’s world, but I decided to have a book binge with her characters. I enjoyed getting lost in there world and I did feel a slight sadness once I was all out stories.
Looking forward to more in the near future!
Looking forward to more in the near future!
November 9, 2025
Getting until about 85% into this book only to realize the main characters gave each other nicknames based on a SA victim and her abuser; I’m completely disgusted. Oh yeah and there’s also the repeated use of the r slur and the complete lack of chemistry between the characters.
January 21, 2020
Indeed!
Love endures! This is only the third book I’ve read by this author. I enjoyed every bit of Chipmunk and Clarence’s trials.
Love endures! This is only the third book I’ve read by this author. I enjoyed every bit of Chipmunk and Clarence’s trials.
July 7, 2020
Loved it!!
Loved Dorian and Raven’s story. I kept putting it on hold because I didn’t want the series to end. Once I started reading, I could not put it down. Jacinta is able to portray her characters with such a sense of familiarity that I feel as if I know them on a personal basis. I can’t to see what’s next from her💕💕
Loved Dorian and Raven’s story. I kept putting it on hold because I didn’t want the series to end. Once I started reading, I could not put it down. Jacinta is able to portray her characters with such a sense of familiarity that I feel as if I know them on a personal basis. I can’t to see what’s next from her💕💕
October 20, 2016
From the very beginning, Jacinta Howard’s characters deal with their feelings in a raw and honest way that draws the reader into the inner workings of their hearts. We see them confront their desires and fears head on and the collisions are mesmerizing.
There’s a naturalness and realness to the way Dorian and Raven stumble around and through their evolving emotions. This novel beautifully nails the truth about falling in love—we might as well stop fighting. As Dorian said to Raven early in the struggle, “You are gonna do this with me.” While he has a well-established reputation for being a womanizer, he can get away with being this bold because underneath everything is trust built on years of friendship. Raven knows him like no other woman—as a friend who has never let her down, who has always been honest and caring, who has supported her year after year after year. That foundation is beautiful, strong, undeniable, and reserved only for her. And she knows it.
Let me also point out that this author understands what a TRUE alpha male is like. So, those women who think that the perfect man is a bossy, domineering, control freak, on an endless power-trip and a mission to prove that he always knows more than his mate need to take notes. I can tell you that Dorian’s way of being bossy and protective, demanding and cherishing, blunt, clear, no-holds-barred, and yet supportive and flexible and able to give Raven the space to be creative is exactly the aggressive, alpha, take-no-prisoners hero that satisfies fantasies. Whips and chains are not necessary. Their chemistry is off the charts!
Too many novels wrap up with a happy ending once the couple realizes they’re in love, but that’s where the real story begins. In Less Than Forever, we see love that develops over years of friendship that is shown in glimpses into history that almost never feels the typical disruptiveness of flashbacks because of how brilliantly the scenes are written. We get to understand the complexities behind the characters’ personalities that make them perfect for each other and see how they slipped under those defensive habits designed to ultimately keep everyone else away—except perhaps only Dorian for Raven and vice versa.
As I was reading some of Dorian’s private confessions, I wondered whether these characters subconsciously realized they were setting themselves up for each other all along. Then I had to laugh at myself for thinking like these were real people. Yeah, Jacinta Howard has a way of writing that makes you forget that this is make-believe because is it really? She expertly pulls from real life—from those mistakes we’ve all either made or held our friends while they cried about making, right? You’ll get lost in the words, the scenes, the emotions on the pages of her books. She’ll take you back in time and make you sigh or smile or wonder. Jacinta Howard will definitely make you experience the story, as only a great writer can.
This series is an excellent exploration of how love works. It’s simple and honest and unafraid in the way it handles the human struggle of mind versus emotion. I’m so happy to have discovered this author and be able to highlight her on my website. Please check out Less Than Forever, the Love Always Series, and her other works. You definitely won’t regret it.
There’s a naturalness and realness to the way Dorian and Raven stumble around and through their evolving emotions. This novel beautifully nails the truth about falling in love—we might as well stop fighting. As Dorian said to Raven early in the struggle, “You are gonna do this with me.” While he has a well-established reputation for being a womanizer, he can get away with being this bold because underneath everything is trust built on years of friendship. Raven knows him like no other woman—as a friend who has never let her down, who has always been honest and caring, who has supported her year after year after year. That foundation is beautiful, strong, undeniable, and reserved only for her. And she knows it.
Let me also point out that this author understands what a TRUE alpha male is like. So, those women who think that the perfect man is a bossy, domineering, control freak, on an endless power-trip and a mission to prove that he always knows more than his mate need to take notes. I can tell you that Dorian’s way of being bossy and protective, demanding and cherishing, blunt, clear, no-holds-barred, and yet supportive and flexible and able to give Raven the space to be creative is exactly the aggressive, alpha, take-no-prisoners hero that satisfies fantasies. Whips and chains are not necessary. Their chemistry is off the charts!
Too many novels wrap up with a happy ending once the couple realizes they’re in love, but that’s where the real story begins. In Less Than Forever, we see love that develops over years of friendship that is shown in glimpses into history that almost never feels the typical disruptiveness of flashbacks because of how brilliantly the scenes are written. We get to understand the complexities behind the characters’ personalities that make them perfect for each other and see how they slipped under those defensive habits designed to ultimately keep everyone else away—except perhaps only Dorian for Raven and vice versa.
As I was reading some of Dorian’s private confessions, I wondered whether these characters subconsciously realized they were setting themselves up for each other all along. Then I had to laugh at myself for thinking like these were real people. Yeah, Jacinta Howard has a way of writing that makes you forget that this is make-believe because is it really? She expertly pulls from real life—from those mistakes we’ve all either made or held our friends while they cried about making, right? You’ll get lost in the words, the scenes, the emotions on the pages of her books. She’ll take you back in time and make you sigh or smile or wonder. Jacinta Howard will definitely make you experience the story, as only a great writer can.
This series is an excellent exploration of how love works. It’s simple and honest and unafraid in the way it handles the human struggle of mind versus emotion. I’m so happy to have discovered this author and be able to highlight her on my website. Please check out Less Than Forever, the Love Always Series, and her other works. You definitely won’t regret it.
July 17, 2015
I was waiting for this and the story was great. Raven and Dorian were friends since college. However, theirs was a complicated friendship. Dorian was in love with Raven. However, because of hurts from his past, he chose the life of a player. Their "friendship" without benefits covered a few years. Raven lost her grandfather and it devistated her. "Clarence" was there on so many levels for her. Things changed, they played around. However, Raven knew she could not tolerate Clarence's antics as a player.
This story shows how even the worst player comes to a point his card has to be given up. The road of their lives together becomes very rocky. I wasn't sure it was going to endure. However, on a lot of levels Raven(aka Chipmunk) and Dorian(aka Clarence) were able to fine the best place for them. Great read, a few typos in this book. It was great to see Brian and Destiny, even Nathan. Hoping Nathan gets his own book too...
This story shows how even the worst player comes to a point his card has to be given up. The road of their lives together becomes very rocky. I wasn't sure it was going to endure. However, on a lot of levels Raven(aka Chipmunk) and Dorian(aka Clarence) were able to fine the best place for them. Great read, a few typos in this book. It was great to see Brian and Destiny, even Nathan. Hoping Nathan gets his own book too...
June 20, 2015
There is no love without trust
This is my favorite story of the series. Dorian and Raven had the perfect friendship: they knew each other well, they had each other's back, they understood one another and could anticipate each other's needs. The love they had for each other was solid and undeniable to everyone around them. A man and woman who have a strong attraction to one another cannot remain in the friend zone forever. Once these two explore physical intimacy all emotional havoc breaks loose. Clarence and Chipmunk better known as Dorian and Raven must finally face their issues with trust. Childhood and past relationships have done a number on these two. Experiencing their journey to a real, trusting love is a great read full of real circumstances, emotions, passion, and self-reflection.
This is my favorite story of the series. Dorian and Raven had the perfect friendship: they knew each other well, they had each other's back, they understood one another and could anticipate each other's needs. The love they had for each other was solid and undeniable to everyone around them. A man and woman who have a strong attraction to one another cannot remain in the friend zone forever. Once these two explore physical intimacy all emotional havoc breaks loose. Clarence and Chipmunk better known as Dorian and Raven must finally face their issues with trust. Childhood and past relationships have done a number on these two. Experiencing their journey to a real, trusting love is a great read full of real circumstances, emotions, passion, and self-reflection.
July 11, 2015
Perfect Conclusion to this Magnificent Series about Love...
Jacinta Howard once again treats her readers to a well written, life learning, and amazingly love filled story about two people who had to learn and understand their true love for each other. Character chemistry was on point and oozed off of the pages from beginning to end as usual for this author's work. Even though I figured that this would be the climax to this series going into the read, I still want more, lol. I'm not going to spoil the story by including Spoilers in my review, but I will tell you if you enjoy reading stories about Destined Love, Do Not Sleep on this Read. As a matter of fact, Don't Sleep on Jacinta as writer. Check out the other books from this series and anything else written by this very Gifted and Talented writer.
Tina
Jacinta Howard once again treats her readers to a well written, life learning, and amazingly love filled story about two people who had to learn and understand their true love for each other. Character chemistry was on point and oozed off of the pages from beginning to end as usual for this author's work. Even though I figured that this would be the climax to this series going into the read, I still want more, lol. I'm not going to spoil the story by including Spoilers in my review, but I will tell you if you enjoy reading stories about Destined Love, Do Not Sleep on this Read. As a matter of fact, Don't Sleep on Jacinta as writer. Check out the other books from this series and anything else written by this very Gifted and Talented writer.
Tina
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