That Love Thing

by Bailey West

Acclaimed author Bella Roe, known for her poignant stories about love, harbors a deep skepticism toward the existence of true love. Despite her immense success in the literary world, she remains convinced that the passionate relationships she writes about are nothing more than figments of her imagination.
Everything changes when Bella meets Leven Chandler, a charming and grounded man, at a book signing event. Like Bella, Leven is not actively seeking romantic love. He dedicates all his energy to his children and his demanding job, believing that love is something he can no longer afford to pursue.
Bella and Leven experience an immediate and undeniable connection that shakes their preconceived notions about love. Their encounters are filled with heartfelt conversations, shared laughter, and a growing intimacy that neither can ignore. But both are hesitant to explore their feelings further, uncertain of what lies beyond the boundaries they have built around their hearts.
Will Bella, the skeptic of love, embrace the possibility of a true and lasting connection? Can Leven, consumed by his role as a father and provider, allow himself to open his heart to a new love?

Genres: Romance

252 pages, Paperback

Published July 4, 2023

Reviews

[Dahyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every so very, very often, I need a sweet, sweet love story. I was able to find that in this story. Giabella was a romance author who didn’t quite believe in love. She tried many times, but it just never ended well for her. But, she met Leven, and so effortlessly, they fell in love. Leven was a single father to two kids. He was all about his work and his babies. So when he saw and met Bella, he never expected to be so enthralled by her. Their love was simple, it was sweet, and it was uncomplicated, especially for two people who were not looking for love. One with emotional baggage and a divorcee. Neither fought their attraction and love for another. I appreciated the mature and real conversations they had as they dated. I would’ve loved to see (read) Bella and the kids spend more time together with Leven. I feel like I didn’t get enough of that.
Things got real and pretty heavy towards the end, and I loved how it was all handled. One thing Bailey West does in her stories is give you a healthy dose of Jesus. She always finds a way to encourage you with the Word in her stories, and it’s so refreshing. I love how she writes her stories, and for that, I’m a forever fan. 
I loved everything about this book. If you’re looking for a sweet love story with a little dose of real life added, get into this.

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew Bailey! You grabbed me right from the beginning with that heartbreaking scene of Bella and her mom! 💔 I worried what would become of her with all the back and forth in foster care, and such, but thank God for Neve! With the love and support of Neve, Bella grew up to channel her gift of writing, and became quite successful at it. However, love was out of the picture. Nope, not for me, not having it! Well, you know what happens when you plan right?

Leven, a single divorced dad, who was very regimented, but loved his kids. He is so focused on raising his kids, and making money that there is no time for anything else. Especially love! When he is coerced into attending Indie Love with his sister Joren, he locks eyes with Bella, and is hooked!

I loved how they met, and how their relationship grew organically, almost seamlessly. They shared cute banter, intelligent conversations, and love came quickly. They both experienced some hardships, but they were able to overcome it all, together. Beautiful love story! 👍👍👍

[Mrs. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars… a lovely drama-free love story

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true love story, through and through. I think the maturity of the characters, the fact that both had experienced different things in their lives is the reason they meshed so well. The author shined the spotlight on indie authors throughout. The fact that the FMC fell in love with the brother of one of her readers was really sweet! Lol! I just loved the dating and get to know you stage. The flow of the story was executed well, nothing seemed forced. This is an example of what healthy coparenting looks like. The ending had me tearing up. 🫶🏾

[Kimyatta Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the story but the romance part didn’t give me “all the feels” there were other parts that did. Great book! I’ll keep my eyes open for Bailey West. 4.5 stars.

[martha fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author delivered again giving us a beautiful love story wrapped in the spiritual awakening of two enraptured souls. I loved how it all began at an Indie Love event (IYKYK). Leven and Bella were good for each other. Their declaration of love notes did it for me. Well done!

[KarynReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Leven and Bella. What a beautifully told story. This was heartwarming, some parts sad and then triumphant. If you wanna put down your toxic bae for a while come on over and get to know Leven. I swear he needs to come made to order from Amazon! Humble, loving, amazing Dad, good listener and willing to give himself when needed. Bella needed HIM. The one that does for everyone else and does not know how to take a hand or gentle comfort. This was well written and the audio was superb. My only complaint is that I wanted it longer. Lol No there was no cliff hangers. I just really enjoyed their story.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. West!

Loved it, loved it, loved it!!! This is my second book from Ms. West, and she is becoming a favorite author of mine! This is a beautiful love story. I’m not giving any spoilers. Buy it and read it. You will not be disappointed. I’m about to start the Bluette Men series. On another note, I’m not sure what’s going on with Kindle, but they are not allowing me to rate her book.

[L. Boogie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes Lev comes off as a little too corny when it comes to Bella. I love a supportive dude that breathes life into his woman but he did it a way that he repeated himself too much.

I wish Lev would’ve just told Laura and Leonard he wanted to take the kids on a family vacation as well instead of doing a joint one. But I did appreciate that he knows in his heart Bella is long term and will be around next summer. “There will be four adults on the trip,” I answered.” response bit hard. I was like OK Lev!!

I don’t know why the interaction with Laura, Leonard, Lev and Bella is kind of weird to me. I like that there is no jealousy and they do parent well and brought Bella into the fold of the children's lives with no drama. But the I love yous and the you’re my family from so early… I’ve never seen anything like it. And it could be that Laura and Leven parted amicably and been friends for a long time still just strange to me. But glad there wasn’t any unnecessary drama.

I’m so happy Bella got her HEA. After her childhood she definitely deserved it. And she received it in many areas of her life. Lev was an awesome guy and so glad he got his second chance at love. Laura got her blessing. Many times a man and woman divorces and the man moves and has a new woman and the woman just has the kids. So I was happy to see she was able to get the loving stable relationship first. Leonard is such a stand up guy. And I adored the kids. The only characters that really drove me crazy was Bella’s mom and sis but I know that was the results of the drugs. Even for her mom.

Really great story that sucked me in from jump.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that this is the first Bailey West book that I found myself struggling to read. After reading a few chapters I realized that Giabella’s life was a trigger for me in some ways as it related to being that person who felt that her major purpose was to help others and that true Love was something she would never experience.
When Leven was introduced, I kept thinking …he may be handsome,but he’s way too regimented to really fall in love again ☺️.

Following these two as they discovered that love really did exist outside of a Romance novel, was endearing.❤️ The children in this story stole my heart and gave me many chuckles and smiles. And I was also in love with their friends and exstended family members. I couldn’t help but wonder dear if Ebonigue was ever able to overcome her challenge.

Needless to say after I got past my on little personal hiccup I truly enjoyed this story,So once again Bailey West did not disappoint. ❤️❤️

[Alonna D · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Spoiler*** I listened to "That Love Thing" by Bailey West, Narrated by Nola Vance and Midnite Michael via Audiobook. This novel was good and it had surprises in it, that I did not see coming.

Giabella Monroe (Bella Roe) was the provider, care giver, and listening ear to her Mother and Sister. She never put herself first and did not know how to receive love. Leven Chandler was a great Dad, ex-husband and focused all his time on his children and work. He had a great relationship with his ex-wife, Laura and her new husband, Leonard but he did not care for himself.

All thanks to Leven sister, Joran, I'm glad Giabella and Leven met, communicated and followed their heart.

Here are the things I was surprised by: bullet near spine, birth of baby Eleanor (Ellie), no communication, Leven providing, Giabella and Laura surprise, time off, and college.

I thought it was so cute where and how Leven proposed. I love the last sentence of book, "Give That Love Thing one more shot!"

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this beautiful journey romance author, Bella Roe and Executive Recruiter, Leven found themselves on.

Other than Bella's drug addicted mother and sister, most of their friends, families and employees were all sane. Can't say that about the last 5 books I read. lol!!!!!!!!!!

I loved how they met at a writer's convention and couldn't take their eyes off each other. To watch their relationship grow was a beautiful thing. They both had rough childhoods but it made them better, not bitter people.

FYI: There were four errors that needed an editor.
Also only the paperback was offered and my highlights are on the Kindle version. **********

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovey Dovey

This book was super sweet. Heavy on the romance. Leven and Bella had a really cute courtship. They complemented each other so well. The book highlighted a highly efficient and mature example of co-parenting. It was one of my favorite elements in the book. I also loved the way it celebrated the world of Black Romance books. That was captured perfectly. The inevitable happily ever after took a little turn towards the end. I was glad for that shake up. It added some spice to an otherwise tame storyline. The epilogue was perfect. The love was just oozing off the page. This was a very pleasant read.

[Chareese H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was different from previous audiobooks and I found it very enjoyable. Loved that there was no crazy drama, but nonetheless, there was a little drama. I loved how the MFC took care of her family, despite circumstances of the past and current. I loved how The love story began at a book festival and one year later when Bella Ro returned, she was a different person with a boyfriend at the end which turned into someone greater. Loved the narrators Nola Vance & midnite Michael who is a favorite and I am a first time listener for the female narrator, but I enjoy the book nonetheless. I will definitely recommend and probably listen again in 2026. ��️❤️❤️

[Janice 'Ms_jae' · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed this like air! It really reset my reading palette after several chaotic, murder and mayhem filled novels. Yeah, my reading tastes are all over the place! lol

Bella and Leven snatched my heart from their first glance across the crowded Indie Love event room. Love at first sight…yes I’m a believer. I love how their relationship evolved and strengthened even in the face of adversity. It was simply amazing to experience with them. Leven, Bella and the supporting characters made this a great reading experience. Well done, Author Bailey West.

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely a beautiful story. It was well written, and flowed well. The storyline was refreshing. This is what Black Romance looks like. It was pure. It was genuine and kind. The author did very good job including the black independent book movement into the story. It was really cool that she shined a light on the Indie Love Books event, which is really really important to the Black Romance literary community.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author won me over completely with this book.

I agree with other reviewers, this story was a sweet romance that kept my attention from the beginning to the end.

Apart from loving the romance between Giabella and Leven. I loved the healthy co-parenting and environment that they created for their kids. No longing feelings, no toxicity just pure love and Giabella fit in there just perfectly.

[Tarsha Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asking for help is the hardest thing for most people for the fear of rejection or spite. Everyone doesn’t extend gratitude or unconditional love or support without wanting applause for the hand up which make it hard for genuine people who are willing to help without recognition.

Love is around searching when you least expect it for God has someone for everyone it can be a person you least expect.

[V. Rena · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you are looking for anything life happens. You can't deny the chemistry between Bella and Leven, it's too palpable. They navigate the trials that come up while adjusting to make room for each other. I love the coparenting and the support and love of each other, creating a healthy and happy environment for the kids. Speaking of, I love the kids. This is a sweet and beautiful story. It shows how the strongest people need people too.

[Kendra Broomfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Bailey West and I’m hooked! This was a very mature read. I love when the mains are able to communicate and not let forever go by before they talk to each other or hash out issues. I love how they both were so open to growth and willing to unlearn bad habits. And the family dynamic aspect of it all with the amicable co-parent relationships and Bella finding peace and stability with her new family. Overall a good, feel good read.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this was a good story and it does touch on parental neglect and religious themes, without being overly preachy. It's not Christian Fiction since there are a couple of sex scenes between singles. Lastly, lots of touching kumbaya moments, which I didn't hate. I suggest that you read a sample to get a glimpse inside the pages of this book. I read the eBook version.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

An author meets her forever at one of her book signing events. This was a good story that took you into the career of a writer, the fans who love them, her journey of finding new love and also how her past woes collide with her present life while navigating a new path. After reading this book I now want to attend an Indie Love event.

[Dannie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I was looking for, a sweet, low-drama romance with all the good vibes. Gia and Leven’s story was just so heartwarming!

One thing I really loved was the relationship between the exes. It’s not often you see exes getting along so well in books, but Laura and Leven’s dynamic was such a nice surprise. It felt mature and real, and I just loved that added touch to the story.

[Ann Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I didn't hesitate to give a 5 rating. It wasn't perfect, but it was perfect enough for me. So many messages to highlight.

Babies. I would love to know if they had babies together

[Candice Square · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good read. Started off with a BANG. Completely enthralled but then the pace slowed a little. But it did pick back up and left me satisfied and wanting more at the same time! It was nice to read another book by this author.

[Graci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a nice wholesome book. I enjoyed the respite from the toxic urban books. Even with it being all that it was, it still didn't have your typical happily ever after ending and I loved that.

[Jaleesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just want to read a sweet romance and that’s exactly what Bailey gave us with this one. A Black Romance author who isn’t really looking for love meeting the love of her life at Indie Love…..sign me up for the real life version of this IMMEDIATELY.

[Kendra Holiday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not met a Bailey West book that didn’t make feel like i was on a love, happy vibe. Another book with new characters mixed in with some our favorites makes for a happy reader!

[Tamika Funnye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, made me smile at their love story...

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read, the love part was really good. I just love this book.