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A Courageous Love
Love Never
In the second book of the Courageous Love Series, Elise McDonald kept one eye out for her next adventure and one on the calendar counting down to her new job as an associate professor. Life was meant to be experienced especially when life handed her a biker who was as suave as his name suggested. For one weekend she allowed herself to spend 96 hours in heaven. Damn the consequences.
Smooth kept one eye on his bank account and one on his son who desperately needed stability after his mother split for the fifth time in nine years. Everything else was peripheral until a Spring breeze blew an angel into his dusty town. For one weekend he allowed himself to spend 96 hours in heaven. Damn the consequences.
After all, no one falls in love in a weekend, right?
Before there was Mike and Maya and their Heartbeat, there was Elise and Smooth. This novella is meant to be read AFTER you read Heartbeat, A Courageous Love Novel as it does contain spoilers, but if you're the type of reader who likes to wing it, have at it, Love Never is a great story! This missed chances, small-town, angsty romance novella is the second book in the Courageous Love Novel series written by BIPOC author Terreece M. Clarke.
Smooth kept one eye on his bank account and one on his son who desperately needed stability after his mother split for the fifth time in nine years. Everything else was peripheral until a Spring breeze blew an angel into his dusty town. For one weekend he allowed himself to spend 96 hours in heaven. Damn the consequences.
After all, no one falls in love in a weekend, right?
Before there was Mike and Maya and their Heartbeat, there was Elise and Smooth. This novella is meant to be read AFTER you read Heartbeat, A Courageous Love Novel as it does contain spoilers, but if you're the type of reader who likes to wing it, have at it, Love Never is a great story! This missed chances, small-town, angsty romance novella is the second book in the Courageous Love Novel series written by BIPOC author Terreece M. Clarke.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2022
About the author
Terreece M. Clarke
11 books190 followersTerreece 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!
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!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 10, 2024
Such a beautiful and emotional novella 🥹❤️
April 12, 2024
THE TITLE
Look I am still in tears as I write this. I strongly suggest reading Heartbeat before you read this. My personal preference is Chaser, Heartbeat, Love Never. Either way you’re going to be devastated but the ride is very much worth the crash. I’m still sending Terreece a bill for emotional distress though.
Look I am still in tears as I write this. I strongly suggest reading Heartbeat before you read this. My personal preference is Chaser, Heartbeat, Love Never. Either way you’re going to be devastated but the ride is very much worth the crash. I’m still sending Terreece a bill for emotional distress though.
April 20, 2025
Love Sometimes
Love Never is the second book, which is s novella, in the series A Courageous Love. Although it is the second, I read it third I think it should be read first. It is the love story of Elise and Smooth. They're the parents of characters in Heartbeat and Chaser, the 1st and 3rd book in the series.
It tells their story in 96 hours and it is erotic sex, practically porn. The blurb warns you that the book contains "frank, open adult sexual situations...." but nothing is like hitting you in the face with sex, sex and more sex. This could have been a prequel for Heartbeat if most of the sex was omitted. You do find out how and why Maya ends up in a town in Colorado where her brother and father lives. Otherwise this book was unnecessary.
Love Never is the second book, which is s novella, in the series A Courageous Love. Although it is the second, I read it third I think it should be read first. It is the love story of Elise and Smooth. They're the parents of characters in Heartbeat and Chaser, the 1st and 3rd book in the series.
It tells their story in 96 hours and it is erotic sex, practically porn. The blurb warns you that the book contains "frank, open adult sexual situations...." but nothing is like hitting you in the face with sex, sex and more sex. This could have been a prequel for Heartbeat if most of the sex was omitted. You do find out how and why Maya ends up in a town in Colorado where her brother and father lives. Otherwise this book was unnecessary.
October 24, 2022
Terreece Clarke has demonstrated with her first two books that she can write an absolutely wonderful story whether a full length book or a short story.
Having previously read Heartbeat I had an idea of where this story was going. That made reading this bittersweet. Elise and Smooth's story is in many ways even more romantic than Maya and Mike's.But there's more. Wisdom is shared. The importance of communication and trust are shown. And she gave them, finally, their HEA in a special and unique way.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
Having previously read Heartbeat I had an idea of where this story was going. That made reading this bittersweet. Elise and Smooth's story is in many ways even more romantic than Maya and Mike's.But there's more. Wisdom is shared. The importance of communication and trust are shown. And she gave them, finally, their HEA in a special and unique way.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
May 30, 2025
It took a minute but I get what the author was trying to do. The movement was choppy but it might have been by design. I like the idea of this story.
February 1, 2025
oooof the drama 😳
z-dnf-2025
November 15, 2025DNF 22% I’m calling it a night.
April 10, 2023
Oh my God. I have never read a book so beautiful. They way this book touched my soul. I have never cried the way I did reading this book. The longing, the love and joy they shared with only three days together. Finding out that Caine’s mother Cheryl Lynn sabotaged Thomas and Elise’s relationship because Thomas didn’t make it into the NBA is CRAZY. Still holding onto something so petty, then lying to your son about his father is just down right insane.
I really wished that Thomas and Elise had more time together but the time that they did have was so beautiful and meaningful. The way Thomas would ask Elise to continuously recite the poem whenever the made love was so beautiful and heart warming. When they met in the afterlife amazingly written, I loved every minute of it and could not stop crying. I just know this series is gonna be an all-time favorite.
I really wished that Thomas and Elise had more time together but the time that they did have was so beautiful and meaningful. The way Thomas would ask Elise to continuously recite the poem whenever the made love was so beautiful and heart warming. When they met in the afterlife amazingly written, I loved every minute of it and could not stop crying. I just know this series is gonna be an all-time favorite.
January 17, 2023
short story of love
Short story of love, lost, and reconnecting. If you haven’t read heartbeat stop and go read it now. Yea it can be read out of order but reading in order is some much better.
I began with heartbeat even joined the newsletter to get the bonus epilogue on both that and this story. Again you do t have to, but it ties all together so perfectly.
This, even though it’s a short read tells the love story between Elise and Thomas (Maya’s parents).
And how bitter people can take away your happiness instead of searching for their own.
I cried for with this story and laughed out loud so much my daughter kept checking on me. It’s worth it. Don’t skip this book, don’t sleep on this author.
Short story of love, lost, and reconnecting. If you haven’t read heartbeat stop and go read it now. Yea it can be read out of order but reading in order is some much better.
I began with heartbeat even joined the newsletter to get the bonus epilogue on both that and this story. Again you do t have to, but it ties all together so perfectly.
This, even though it’s a short read tells the love story between Elise and Thomas (Maya’s parents).
And how bitter people can take away your happiness instead of searching for their own.
I cried for with this story and laughed out loud so much my daughter kept checking on me. It’s worth it. Don’t skip this book, don’t sleep on this author.
May 28, 2023
such a beautifully written story
I almost didn’t read this novella but it’s the best thing I’ve read in forever. I laughed, cried, cringed, all of the emotions except disappointment. T. Clarke is an amazing writer, she knows her craft and wields it like an expert. Thank you for this story— just beautiful
I almost didn’t read this novella but it’s the best thing I’ve read in forever. I laughed, cried, cringed, all of the emotions except disappointment. T. Clarke is an amazing writer, she knows her craft and wields it like an expert. Thank you for this story— just beautiful
October 18, 2024
You know it’s good when a book that’s 89 pages long can make you sob! I mean sniffling and snot type cry. This is loving someone all your life, beyond the grave and to it type of love. What a fantastic prequel story to Heartbeat.
Terreece girl you are the truth for giving us the backstory of Smooth and Elise! Everything we needed to solve our curiosity and so much more!
Terreece girl you are the truth for giving us the backstory of Smooth and Elise! Everything we needed to solve our curiosity and so much more!
March 1, 2025
ALC review.
This audiobook was really good!
I appreciate the opportunity to review the audio book.
This novella is the second book in this series and kind of gives spoilers from the first book. But if you are like me and fly by the seat of your pants, you will enjoy this story.
This novella spans about 50ish years give or take between the lives of the two characters, Elise and Smooth. It was Instalove for the both characters, and you get their story and everything that happens during their span of their relationship.
It was a roller coaster of emotions for me but man it was good!
Would I recommend? Yes. Even if you haven’t read the first book. Yet if you want to start the series then best to read in order.
Would I reread? Yes.
This audiobook was really good!
I appreciate the opportunity to review the audio book.
This novella is the second book in this series and kind of gives spoilers from the first book. But if you are like me and fly by the seat of your pants, you will enjoy this story.
This novella spans about 50ish years give or take between the lives of the two characters, Elise and Smooth. It was Instalove for the both characters, and you get their story and everything that happens during their span of their relationship.
It was a roller coaster of emotions for me but man it was good!
Would I recommend? Yes. Even if you haven’t read the first book. Yet if you want to start the series then best to read in order.
Would I reread? Yes.
August 8, 2024
Thank You
I’ve read the series and this tops them all. Maybe it’s the soulmate trope, maybe it’s how much it resonated with me, maybe it’s the fact that they may not have had their happy ending on earth, but their love was so pure and resolute it lasted beyond time and space. It was real, it felt like experiencing true adult maturity and understanding. Understanding that sometimes you have to let big loves go to grow and sometimes you just can’t protect your kids, no matter how badly your first instinct is to do just that. Thank you for putting what so many can’t into words.
I’ve read the series and this tops them all. Maybe it’s the soulmate trope, maybe it’s how much it resonated with me, maybe it’s the fact that they may not have had their happy ending on earth, but their love was so pure and resolute it lasted beyond time and space. It was real, it felt like experiencing true adult maturity and understanding. Understanding that sometimes you have to let big loves go to grow and sometimes you just can’t protect your kids, no matter how badly your first instinct is to do just that. Thank you for putting what so many can’t into words.
March 20, 2025
I received this book as a listener copy and am forever grateful for it!
Let me tell you. I have never wanted to move to Denver faster. But in all seriousness. This was a fun little novella that fills in a bit of the back story for a heartbeat. It’s absolutely an emotional rollercoaster so buckle up for sure. I love how Ms. Clarke delicately and deliberately weaves together all these stories in a way the makes sense and isn’t forced. Check this out if you loved heartbeat.
I think the audio book was a bit distracting and maybe would have liked it better with eyeball reading, but that was just personal preference.
Let me tell you. I have never wanted to move to Denver faster. But in all seriousness. This was a fun little novella that fills in a bit of the back story for a heartbeat. It’s absolutely an emotional rollercoaster so buckle up for sure. I love how Ms. Clarke delicately and deliberately weaves together all these stories in a way the makes sense and isn’t forced. Check this out if you loved heartbeat.
I think the audio book was a bit distracting and maybe would have liked it better with eyeball reading, but that was just personal preference.
April 20, 2025
*SPOILERS*
I enjoyed this novella. I enjoyed a look into the short romance between Maya's mom and dad. To be honest although I was curious about the romance between these character, I did skim over a lot.
However, in the last quarter or so of the book, the way it was written broke me. The unrequited love or maybe tragic love is better - between the two MCs felt so strong and pure. And when Smooth passed away, so many emotions welled up in me. I actually cried so much and it really was not that serious.
Overall, a good book and if you connected to the character from their introductions in the first book, then you will probably enjoy this, especially, the last 2-3 chapters.
I enjoyed this novella. I enjoyed a look into the short romance between Maya's mom and dad. To be honest although I was curious about the romance between these character, I did skim over a lot.
However, in the last quarter or so of the book, the way it was written broke me. The unrequited love or maybe tragic love is better - between the two MCs felt so strong and pure. And when Smooth passed away, so many emotions welled up in me. I actually cried so much and it really was not that serious.
Overall, a good book and if you connected to the character from their introductions in the first book, then you will probably enjoy this, especially, the last 2-3 chapters.
June 9, 2025
Went into this audiobook fully blind and didn’t realize it was book 2 of a series. This was a quick listen (3 hr 2 min) At first I thought this story would not have a lot of plot, but I was so wrong. I think the twist was a bit confusing to grasp at first through the audiobook version than if I had read it, but what a heartbreaking, gut wrenching twist it was. So well done. Lacy Laurel and Midnite Michael were the narrators. I think they both struggled a bit at narrating different characters. But overall I love the duet/tandem narration.
This one goes from hot and steamy to someone hand me a tissue please in the best way.
This one goes from hot and steamy to someone hand me a tissue please in the best way.
March 5, 2023
Dehydrated Downstairs…🤣
I am so glad that she wrote this story. Initially I was concerned because I knew how their story ended. After reading this you get the true story of how and why Elise and Thomas ended. It will anger you. She did them justice, and the ending was just beautiful.
Can’t imagine seeing a 6 foot painting of my mom‘s very aroused vulva though…read the bonus epilogue 😉.
Anyway read the book; you’ll love it. See y’all next time.
I am so glad that she wrote this story. Initially I was concerned because I knew how their story ended. After reading this you get the true story of how and why Elise and Thomas ended. It will anger you. She did them justice, and the ending was just beautiful.
Can’t imagine seeing a 6 foot painting of my mom‘s very aroused vulva though…read the bonus epilogue 😉.
Anyway read the book; you’ll love it. See y’all next time.
May 24, 2023
loved it
This was a great love story of Elise and Thomas
Told a little different from what we expect from a love story
Their story starts 30 years ago and ends with an unexpected twist
You really need to read book one in the series to understand book 2 characters better
Nevertheless this book will keep you turning the pages and not wishing for it to end
Great job Terreece
Can’t wait for book 3
This was a great love story of Elise and Thomas
Told a little different from what we expect from a love story
Their story starts 30 years ago and ends with an unexpected twist
You really need to read book one in the series to understand book 2 characters better
Nevertheless this book will keep you turning the pages and not wishing for it to end
Great job Terreece
Can’t wait for book 3
December 2, 2024
This is an awesome read
This is a novella which I received free from one of the events and I enjoyed every minute of it.
It had a happy ending but not a conventional one because why did Smooth and Elise end up like that.
Character development was really good and we got to see how each character ends up. I like the fact that they were all established in their respective careers/lives. No struggle love.
I didn't like the ending though.
This is a novella which I received free from one of the events and I enjoyed every minute of it.
It had a happy ending but not a conventional one because why did Smooth and Elise end up like that.
Character development was really good and we got to see how each character ends up. I like the fact that they were all established in their respective careers/lives. No struggle love.
I didn't like the ending though.
July 14, 2025
This novella was chefs kiss. Getting to see Caine and Mayas parents love story. It was so good and so heartbreaking. We got to watch them fall in love. We also got to experience them both passing away. And got to find out that Caines mother was the reason Smooth and Elise never ended up together. She had sabotaged them. So this ruined Caine relationship with his mother. But Maya ended up having a good relationship with her dad and this novella was so cute and made me tear up a little bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2022
Even when you know
Even though I knew this was not a HEA, I read it thinking it would be a short nice read.
This was emotional. Especially in the last 30-40% of the book.
I wanted to join in the butt whoopping. And the dry coochie references had me cracking up.
You will greatly enjoy this story.
Even though I knew this was not a HEA, I read it thinking it would be a short nice read.
This was emotional. Especially in the last 30-40% of the book.
I wanted to join in the butt whoopping. And the dry coochie references had me cracking up.
You will greatly enjoy this story.
August 27, 2023
5⭐️
I cried! This book is perfectly written to encapsulate Thomas and Elise’s relationship before they departed. Thomas and Elise loved each other instantly and connected with each other even though not physically together. I love how Thomas accepted Maya even if he was 31 years late. How everything unfolded towards the end and Elise dying really brought tears to my eyes.
I cried! This book is perfectly written to encapsulate Thomas and Elise’s relationship before they departed. Thomas and Elise loved each other instantly and connected with each other even though not physically together. I love how Thomas accepted Maya even if he was 31 years late. How everything unfolded towards the end and Elise dying really brought tears to my eyes.
January 14, 2024
I’m loving this author
Y’all ok… if you haven’t met Terrence M. Clark yet stop what you doing and go get book one Heartbeat and get started. Wow is what I got to say. I mean really really good. I’m on to the next book. I’m horrible with reviews so I don’t do them I normally just do a rating but I’m leaving this one cause you need to read this author. Ok.
Y’all ok… if you haven’t met Terrence M. Clark yet stop what you doing and go get book one Heartbeat and get started. Wow is what I got to say. I mean really really good. I’m on to the next book. I’m horrible with reviews so I don’t do them I normally just do a rating but I’m leaving this one cause you need to read this author. Ok.
March 6, 2026
Amazing
This was the most beautiful love story I ever read, and I say that because Elise was just looking for adventure, and she ended up finding love. But jealousy and hate may smooth lose out on the best thing he could've ever had. This book brought me to tears. I really enjoyed.
This was the most beautiful love story I ever read, and I say that because Elise was just looking for adventure, and she ended up finding love. But jealousy and hate may smooth lose out on the best thing he could've ever had. This book brought me to tears. I really enjoyed.
March 20, 2026
Love Never: A Courageous Love Novella
I gave it five stars because it was a beautiful storyline. This truly was a beautiful love story. The characters were very relatable. Even death couldn’t stop true love. I laughed and cried reading this lovely story. I most definitely would recommend you read this book.
I gave it five stars because it was a beautiful storyline. This truly was a beautiful love story. The characters were very relatable. Even death couldn’t stop true love. I laughed and cried reading this lovely story. I most definitely would recommend you read this book.
April 16, 2023
This story is such an emotionally charged romance that gives The Notebook vibes. My heart went on an emotional rollercoaster that had me smiling, angry, crying, heartbroken and just sad, but this a love story that is definitely worth the read.
April 21, 2024
such a tear jerker!
I read Heartbeat first awhile ago and didn’t think I needed this story. All I can say is why!!! I know that certain things had to happen and it’s such a great way for closure on some ways but damn!
I read Heartbeat first awhile ago and didn’t think I needed this story. All I can say is why!!! I know that certain things had to happen and it’s such a great way for closure on some ways but damn!
June 28, 2024
This love story, though short, is intense, fun and true to Thomas and Elise! The sacrifices they both made regardless of how they felt for one another is what made this story heart warming and heart wrenching at the same time! I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
October 7, 2024
Excellent
What a great love story, had me laughing and crying in equal measure. It was so beautiful and well written, this author writes with so much heart, beautiful. If you have not read yet what are you waiting for you are missing a treat.
What a great love story, had me laughing and crying in equal measure. It was so beautiful and well written, this author writes with so much heart, beautiful. If you have not read yet what are you waiting for you are missing a treat.
December 8, 2024
It was so good!
The story was told so well! I laughed out loud and fussed at myself for crying. The author brought these characters to life. And I felt as if I could call and check on them. Amazing job!
The story was told so well! I laughed out loud and fussed at myself for crying. The author brought these characters to life. And I felt as if I could call and check on them. Amazing job!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews