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Loved By You
Vanessa Taylor is doing everything right: creative, passionate, and determined to make her mark. She’s spent years rebuilding her life on her terms, casting aside the wounds that once held her back. But when her first love, Xavier, unexpectedly reappears, those carefully placed defenses begin to unravel. Years ago, she let him go, burying parts of herself along with him. Now, he’s back—older, wiser, and unwilling to lose her a second time.
Xavier Morris has built his life from the ground up, carving out a thriving career and creating opportunities that once felt like impossible dreams. But something is missing—the woman who understood him in ways no one else could, even when he didn’t yet understand himself. Coming face-to-face with Vanessa again is like feeling sunlight after a long winter. Their chemistry is undeniable, but so is the pain of the past they’ve never fully faced.
Together, they’ll confront buried heartbreak, long-hidden secrets, and a love that refuses to fade. Vanessa’s journey toward self-acceptance and healing collides with Xavier’s drive to build a future that includes her. But can they trust each other—and themselves—enough to make it work this time?
For readers who crave an authentic, slow-burning, soul-stirring romance, this is a story of resilience, family bonds, and second chances. Discover the journey of two people whose love endures time and trials, pulling them together in a way neither can resist.
CONTENT
Just a heads-up before you dive into this story—this book is a slow burn, emotional rollercoaster. There are some parts that touch on sensitive topics, like miscarriage, grief, and family struggles. Plus, there are moments that explore anxiety and panic attacks, mixed in with several moments of laughter and lightness. You'll also find a fair share of adult language and some steamy, explicit scenes. Take care of yourself, and feel free to step away if it gets too heavy.
Xavier Morris has built his life from the ground up, carving out a thriving career and creating opportunities that once felt like impossible dreams. But something is missing—the woman who understood him in ways no one else could, even when he didn’t yet understand himself. Coming face-to-face with Vanessa again is like feeling sunlight after a long winter. Their chemistry is undeniable, but so is the pain of the past they’ve never fully faced.
Together, they’ll confront buried heartbreak, long-hidden secrets, and a love that refuses to fade. Vanessa’s journey toward self-acceptance and healing collides with Xavier’s drive to build a future that includes her. But can they trust each other—and themselves—enough to make it work this time?
For readers who crave an authentic, slow-burning, soul-stirring romance, this is a story of resilience, family bonds, and second chances. Discover the journey of two people whose love endures time and trials, pulling them together in a way neither can resist.
CONTENT
Just a heads-up before you dive into this story—this book is a slow burn, emotional rollercoaster. There are some parts that touch on sensitive topics, like miscarriage, grief, and family struggles. Plus, there are moments that explore anxiety and panic attacks, mixed in with several moments of laughter and lightness. You'll also find a fair share of adult language and some steamy, explicit scenes. Take care of yourself, and feel free to step away if it gets too heavy.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2024
1040 people are currently reading
2722 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
January 11, 2025
4/5 ⭐️
- This book has so much depth, heart, and tension!! The slow burn was the perfect pace and it truly felt like the perfect blend between a romance & contemporary fiction. Loved the writing style too! It was so lyrical, but wasn’t too wordy.
- Can’t WAIT to read Kelly’s story. You really got so much found family vibes in this story and I’m in love with all of the characters. Hope that the second book in the series comes out soon!! This second chance romance left me SWOONING!!
- Really loved how this story touched on deeper themes like gentrification, therapy, and working through mental health struggles. So so impactful!
- This book has so much depth, heart, and tension!! The slow burn was the perfect pace and it truly felt like the perfect blend between a romance & contemporary fiction. Loved the writing style too! It was so lyrical, but wasn’t too wordy.
- Can’t WAIT to read Kelly’s story. You really got so much found family vibes in this story and I’m in love with all of the characters. Hope that the second book in the series comes out soon!! This second chance romance left me SWOONING!!
- Really loved how this story touched on deeper themes like gentrification, therapy, and working through mental health struggles. So so impactful!
February 10, 2025
A slow burn with my least favorite trope….miscommunication. I was definitely invested in the love story. The FMC was immature and frustrating. Loved the MMC
November 19, 2024
Alexandrea Lechelle is so poetic in her writing, and the way that she weaves back together the lives of two old lovers, Vanessa and Xavier, is absolutely breathtaking. At the start, we catch a glimpse of love that seems timeless and stable, just so present, something of awe, before we are launched into present-day time where they are separated following a number of unresolved issues between them that they finally confront and reconcile roughly 6 years later. It’s a slow and steady rekindling of their love, just enough burning and building to get to the kind of crescendo I was waiting for. The story overall is a gorgeous blend of poetic thoughts, wondrous plotting, sociocultural issues (e.g. gentrification) and character arcing. It’s quite an emotional ride, too, where Alexandrea does not shy away from the very real mental health issues and conversations that need to be had, while normalizing going to therapy and open communication in the Black community. This is such beautiful Black love, through and through, and I found moments of healing even while reading it. Vanessa and Xavier’s love, in it of itself, is a healing kind of love and one that inspires the kind of healthy relationships that we aspire to cultivate and grow, both between the persons and within one’s self. This novel on second-chance love is definitely one for the bookshelves! This one really hit deep for me, and so I will cherish their story forever. I greatly appreciate you sharing this with the world, Ms. Alexandrea!!
September 1, 2025
If words of affirmation are your love language, then you will enjoy this story because it is full of it.
I can see why ppl have given this book four stars or better. It is a wholesome story that highlights the benefits of therapy and talking through problems. Both MCs internalize their pain to their detriment but find release, resolution, and closure through therapy and communication.
With that being said, this book was not my favorite. It is a super slow burn. I was bored with it by the 60% mark and started skimming and spot reading to find anything that would grab my attention cause I wanted to love this book but it just missed the mark. There is a lot of emphasis on the affirmation, self love, and supporting your significant other and not enough on the conflict so the story felt unbalanced and too sweet. For the way that they broke, up I wanted the MCs to put more work into getting back together. I wanted the MMC to convince the FMC to give him another chance. I don’t feel like that’s what happened. He was like give me another chance and she was like ok. I was like that’s it? That was too easy. I felt the same about the issue with the FMC and her mom. That issue was resolved over one good cry session which didn’t seem right since this was a deep seated issue between the FMC and her mom.
The story just felt really disjointed and I found myself more interested in the side characters than the main. Then it’s only so many chapters of “you are my life, I love you exponentially” that I could take. After a while, it was like I get it, I get it you love her and she loves you.
If you are a surface reader and are looking for a feel-good read this is for you. There is a lot of feel good moments, a nice amount of spice, and a little bit of conflict sprinkled here and there. If you’re a deep dive reader. This might not be for you. There isn’t enough tension, the story seems disjointed at times, and there is way too much fluff.
I can see why ppl have given this book four stars or better. It is a wholesome story that highlights the benefits of therapy and talking through problems. Both MCs internalize their pain to their detriment but find release, resolution, and closure through therapy and communication.
With that being said, this book was not my favorite. It is a super slow burn. I was bored with it by the 60% mark and started skimming and spot reading to find anything that would grab my attention cause I wanted to love this book but it just missed the mark. There is a lot of emphasis on the affirmation, self love, and supporting your significant other and not enough on the conflict so the story felt unbalanced and too sweet. For the way that they broke, up I wanted the MCs to put more work into getting back together. I wanted the MMC to convince the FMC to give him another chance. I don’t feel like that’s what happened. He was like give me another chance and she was like ok. I was like that’s it? That was too easy. I felt the same about the issue with the FMC and her mom. That issue was resolved over one good cry session which didn’t seem right since this was a deep seated issue between the FMC and her mom.
The story just felt really disjointed and I found myself more interested in the side characters than the main. Then it’s only so many chapters of “you are my life, I love you exponentially” that I could take. After a while, it was like I get it, I get it you love her and she loves you.
If you are a surface reader and are looking for a feel-good read this is for you. There is a lot of feel good moments, a nice amount of spice, and a little bit of conflict sprinkled here and there. If you’re a deep dive reader. This might not be for you. There isn’t enough tension, the story seems disjointed at times, and there is way too much fluff.
February 16, 2025
One of the best second chance romance novels I’ve read in a while. Xavier and Nessa were both such lovable characters committed to their personal growth (therapy ftw) that helped them in their second chance journey. The sweetest love story I’ve read in a while. I highly recommend this read!
January 1, 2025
I like the potential of certain details and the overall plot. However, I personally felt as though so many opportunities were missed for character development. The focus of love was pushed way too hard, at a certain point it got aggravating simply because the reader KNEW how much love the mc’s had for each other. I feel as though the strength of said love could’ve been displayed better by the mc’s focusing on themselves and their own personal growth. With that said, I did enjoy their stories both as individuals and as a couple.
December 24, 2024
WOW…just WOW! To know me is to know I absolutely adore second chance romance! This book was SO good! This book has so much depth to it and it was refreshing to read. I loved every single character. This book left me swooning and wanting more 🥹🫶🏾
October 23, 2024
**Arc Review**
Rating: 4⭐️
Spicy: 🌶️
Slow-burn!
I was able to read an advance copy of Love by you! I will say this was a great representation of black love! This story follows Zay and Vanessa as they navigate seeing each other after their break up 6 years ago! Now the break up did not end on a good note at all!
During the time they haven’t seen each other, life happens and they had to deal with real life issues, family trauma, heart break, job issues! Like so much! When they finally ran into each other, all those old feels start to come back and it becomes irresistible! They are both fighting those feelings and trying to determine if it’s good to give their relationship another try or if they should have an adult conversation and end things properly this time and go their separate ways!
My favorite thing about this book were the flashbacks. We were able to see just how deep their love for each other was! Baby, Zay loved that girl down, real bad!! He was so adamant and. She was so hesitate! I did enjoy seeing this being on the healthier side of a black romance story! That was refreshing!
I will say that this is a slow burn book! It takes a while for things to start to get to moving!!
Overall, best wishes to the author for her debut novel!
Rating: 4⭐️
Spicy: 🌶️
Slow-burn!
I was able to read an advance copy of Love by you! I will say this was a great representation of black love! This story follows Zay and Vanessa as they navigate seeing each other after their break up 6 years ago! Now the break up did not end on a good note at all!
During the time they haven’t seen each other, life happens and they had to deal with real life issues, family trauma, heart break, job issues! Like so much! When they finally ran into each other, all those old feels start to come back and it becomes irresistible! They are both fighting those feelings and trying to determine if it’s good to give their relationship another try or if they should have an adult conversation and end things properly this time and go their separate ways!
My favorite thing about this book were the flashbacks. We were able to see just how deep their love for each other was! Baby, Zay loved that girl down, real bad!! He was so adamant and. She was so hesitate! I did enjoy seeing this being on the healthier side of a black romance story! That was refreshing!
I will say that this is a slow burn book! It takes a while for things to start to get to moving!!
Overall, best wishes to the author for her debut novel!
January 14, 2025
Needed more edits & was a bit all over the place. I didn’t like the fact that they got together so quickly after this huge fallout 6 years prior; it was too easy & made the story boring .
May 17, 2025
10 ⭐️
xavier and vanessa have my whole heart ❤️🩹
i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again — a second-chance romance book will always do it for me, and this book was no exception. absolutely love everything about this book!
now what i will say is i’m so excited for kelly and khalil’s book! that sneak peek at the end has me REELING, i need this book right now (please and thank you! 😂🥹😩)
“you are my heart, my soul, my forever.”
xavier and vanessa have my whole heart ❤️🩹
i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again — a second-chance romance book will always do it for me, and this book was no exception. absolutely love everything about this book!
now what i will say is i’m so excited for kelly and khalil’s book! that sneak peek at the end has me REELING, i need this book right now (please and thank you! 😂🥹😩)
December 22, 2024
This was a cute second chance romance. Nessa and Zay were college sweethearts who didn’t talk for years after a bad breakup. As faith would have it their back in each other lives. Nessa and Zay had a lot of unresolved issues especially Nessa. I loved Nessa’s growth; seeing her come into her own. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I would like a story on the rest of the friends cause there was tension there too
I would like a story on the rest of the friends cause there was tension there too
January 23, 2025
this book was WORDY! very descriptive. whew. i love how the author touched on very important topics, but sheesh. i almost thought i’d never get through it. 🤣 i’m happy that vanessa and xavier got their happy endings with both their careers and their love life/family.
actually happy that vanessa got her life back.
overall, cute second chance love story. just very wordy. lawd.
actually happy that vanessa got her life back.
overall, cute second chance love story. just very wordy. lawd.
January 24, 2025
SLOW BURN…too damn slow, too syrupy sweet with every proclamation of love. Overall emotional so many tears! Then there is this story of gentrification and tough parental relationships that is not really flushed out. It was well written, but I need something some humor something outside of the tears and love! I was ready for it to be wrapped up half way through.
October 17, 2025
🥹
This second Chance romance was done well. It is a slow burn but I did enjoy seeing the past and present scenes - it brought everything together. I don’t think there was ever a doubt that these two would find their HEA in each other, it was beautiful. The audiobook was good.
This second Chance romance was done well. It is a slow burn but I did enjoy seeing the past and present scenes - it brought everything together. I don’t think there was ever a doubt that these two would find their HEA in each other, it was beautiful. The audiobook was good.
February 27, 2025
It was good in the beginning but it just felt too long and it got boring. This book could’ve easily been shortened to 200 pages
September 25, 2025
OUTSTANDING 5-Star
NTMA with a debut I truly enjoyed! The gems, awareness, blackness, healing, love, & passion poured from the pages. Every character screamed Black Excellence. So much reality in love & life. The support characters even had a story peeking through the pages.
Bravo 👏🏽 👏🏽 💜💛💚 I look forward to your next release!
NTMA with a debut I truly enjoyed! The gems, awareness, blackness, healing, love, & passion poured from the pages. Every character screamed Black Excellence. So much reality in love & life. The support characters even had a story peeking through the pages.
Bravo 👏🏽 👏🏽 💜💛💚 I look forward to your next release!
November 3, 2025
3.5 ⭐️I attempted to read this book last year but didn’t make it very far. Two tropes that I don’t really like were in this book; slow burns and miscommunication. It took a while for me to get really into the characters. It eventually got better and the ending was good.
January 21, 2026
3.75/5 beautifully written story. We love to see a healthy black romance 🥰
November 18, 2024
ARC REVIEW
Cutesy ✔️
HBCU Romance ✔️
Mental Health Rep ✔️
Slow Burn ✔️
Second Chance ✔️
If you're looking for any of those check out this book. Xavier and Vanessa were really cute and the flashback scenes did a great job of expressing how much they loved each other. Unfortunately sometimes it's right person, wrong time. I enjoyed seeing the couple get a second chance to get it together.
Cutesy ✔️
HBCU Romance ✔️
Mental Health Rep ✔️
Slow Burn ✔️
Second Chance ✔️
If you're looking for any of those check out this book. Xavier and Vanessa were really cute and the flashback scenes did a great job of expressing how much they loved each other. Unfortunately sometimes it's right person, wrong time. I enjoyed seeing the couple get a second chance to get it together.
December 22, 2024
I had mixed feelings on this book. The dialogue was excellent. The characters felt authentic. However, I found the plot to be rather predictable and, at times, the narrative told more than it showed. There are also several words/ descriptions used repetitively. If I took a shot every time someone’s “soul” warmed or eyes “twinkled” I’d be drunk. I also think the leads got back together much too quickly to have been separated for six years. About 250 pages in, I got bored but I wanted to see it to the end. Not bad for a debut but not sure if I’ll read the other books in the series.
July 24, 2025
Shoutout to the author for creating my new favorite MMC 🥹 the way she wrote Xavier with so much emotional maturity, empathy, awareness, and his way of taking accountability was everything!! This is one of my new favorite second chance romances. I applaud nessa for being a strong black woman and having strong black influential parents and friends to carry her in her darkest days. The author wrote this book with so much depth and emotions, I could feel every word on the page. This was definitely a 5 star read and can’t wait to continue the series!
November 18, 2024
ARC REVIEW: First, I'm still on a high from this read. I'm a huge fan of second chance romances especially when done with the intent to create a space for healing and healthy relationships.
This story was written so Beautifully. I could NOT stop smiling and feeling all the feels. Now this is a slow burn, however I found it to be very appropriate for the MFC (Vanessa) and MMC ( Xavier) love story. They are both in a place of healing and reconnecting. I think by giving the characters time, it allowed them to rediscover their love for each other in a way that benefitted their growth as they addressed past trauma to move forward.
The highlight for me during this read was the addressing of the characters mental health especially for Xavier. With such a huge stigma around men especially Black men seeking therapy it was so refreshing to read about a character who wanted to be more self aware, acknowledge their fears, and identify healthy coping strategies.
Vanessa's character was extremely relatable. I saw a lot of myself in her. I think a lot of women will find her relationship with her Mother to be a common experience. She faces many challenges; guilt from a loss, high expectations, and uncertainty for her future (both professionally & romantic).
Other major talking points within this read:
• Grief
•Fractured Family Dynamics
• Gentrification
This story was written so Beautifully. I could NOT stop smiling and feeling all the feels. Now this is a slow burn, however I found it to be very appropriate for the MFC (Vanessa) and MMC ( Xavier) love story. They are both in a place of healing and reconnecting. I think by giving the characters time, it allowed them to rediscover their love for each other in a way that benefitted their growth as they addressed past trauma to move forward.
The highlight for me during this read was the addressing of the characters mental health especially for Xavier. With such a huge stigma around men especially Black men seeking therapy it was so refreshing to read about a character who wanted to be more self aware, acknowledge their fears, and identify healthy coping strategies.
Vanessa's character was extremely relatable. I saw a lot of myself in her. I think a lot of women will find her relationship with her Mother to be a common experience. She faces many challenges; guilt from a loss, high expectations, and uncertainty for her future (both professionally & romantic).
Other major talking points within this read:
• Grief
•Fractured Family Dynamics
• Gentrification
January 17, 2025
Like this just did it for me!
I absolutely adoreddddd this. The flashbacks adding so much depth to the story and the love between Zay and Nessa was *chefs kiss*.
I’m definitely a sucker for a second chance romance and baby this hit the mark! This was just a story that kept me giggling and full blown cackling. I loveeeeed the banter between everybody.
My little rant: I was so invested in the storyline with her mama, I had my mind made up about her but all the tension melted away so nicely. I didn’t even realize I had grown to like her by the end lol.
Kudos to Alexandrea for swinging this hard out of the gate for her debut novel. It was absolutely amazing. I cannot WAIT until Kelly’s story!
Fav Part 🤎: how well Alexandrea touched on serious matters in the book from gentrification, to loss/health scares, and therapy. It was truly a breath of fresh air.
I absolutely adoreddddd this. The flashbacks adding so much depth to the story and the love between Zay and Nessa was *chefs kiss*.
I’m definitely a sucker for a second chance romance and baby this hit the mark! This was just a story that kept me giggling and full blown cackling. I loveeeeed the banter between everybody.
My little rant: I was so invested in the storyline with her mama, I had my mind made up about her but all the tension melted away so nicely. I didn’t even realize I had grown to like her by the end lol.
Kudos to Alexandrea for swinging this hard out of the gate for her debut novel. It was absolutely amazing. I cannot WAIT until Kelly’s story!
Fav Part 🤎: how well Alexandrea touched on serious matters in the book from gentrification, to loss/health scares, and therapy. It was truly a breath of fresh air.
January 15, 2026
I almost dnf,I struggled getting through. This wasn't a bad read just a bit boring.
October 8, 2025
A sweet story but not very interesting. It dragged some. A lot of missed opportunities. The FMC was annoying.
October 26, 2024
❤️ARC Review❤️ This is a slow burn for sure however I really love a good second chance love . This book really will take your emotions on a roller coaster ride lol . The FMC and MMC seems like they were sort of lost without each other 🫠 and just watching them grow and develop felt realistic , very relatable . Overall I really enjoyed this book and the ending was perfection 🤭 exactly what I was hoping for 🥰
April 9, 2025
exceptional
this book is chefs kiss. it will have you laughing , crying . wanting to slap some sense into them but ultimately smiling from ear to ear . second chances are rare but love always finds a way
this book is chefs kiss. it will have you laughing , crying . wanting to slap some sense into them but ultimately smiling from ear to ear . second chances are rare but love always finds a way
May 17, 2025
BORING
I wanted to DNF this so bad but after making it 70% through I didn’t want to feel like I wasted my time.
I wanted to DNF this so bad but after making it 70% through I didn’t want to feel like I wasted my time.
November 21, 2024
Loved By You
A Heartfelt Note to My Readers
✨ Wow… I’m still processing all the love and support for my debut novel, "Loved by You." This journey has been nothing short of incredible, and it’s all because of YOU—the readers who took a chance on my story, connected with my characters, and let me share a piece of my heart with you.
📚 Thank You for Reading and Reviewing
To everyone who’s left a review or rating on Goodreads, I see you, and I appreciate you more than words can express. Your reviews have brought me to tears (the happy, grateful kind!), made me laugh, and reminded me why I poured so much of myself into this book. Each thoughtful comment, star rating, and even constructive critique fills me with so much gratitude.
💕 Why This Book Matters to Me
When I wrote Loved by You , I wanted to tell a story about love in all its forms—healing, messy, soul-stirring love. Vanessa and Xavier’s journey isn’t perfect, but it’s real, and I hope it resonated with you in a way that made you feel seen, understood, or simply swept away for a while.
🙏 Keep the Love Going
If you’ve read the book and haven’t left a review yet, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Reviews are a gift that help authors like me reach new readers and share our stories with the world.
🌟 Thank You for Believing in Me
This debut wouldn’t be what it is without you. Your enthusiasm, your shares, and your word-of-mouth recommendations mean everything. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for letting Loved by You be a part of your bookshelf and your life.
Here’s to love, growth, and chasing every dream. 💫
With all my gratitude,
Alexandrea LeChelle
P.S. If you haven’t already, join me here or on social media to keep up with updates, discussions, and what’s next! I can’t wait to share more stories with you. 💕
A Heartfelt Note to My Readers
✨ Wow… I’m still processing all the love and support for my debut novel, "Loved by You." This journey has been nothing short of incredible, and it’s all because of YOU—the readers who took a chance on my story, connected with my characters, and let me share a piece of my heart with you.
📚 Thank You for Reading and Reviewing
To everyone who’s left a review or rating on Goodreads, I see you, and I appreciate you more than words can express. Your reviews have brought me to tears (the happy, grateful kind!), made me laugh, and reminded me why I poured so much of myself into this book. Each thoughtful comment, star rating, and even constructive critique fills me with so much gratitude.
💕 Why This Book Matters to Me
When I wrote Loved by You , I wanted to tell a story about love in all its forms—healing, messy, soul-stirring love. Vanessa and Xavier’s journey isn’t perfect, but it’s real, and I hope it resonated with you in a way that made you feel seen, understood, or simply swept away for a while.
🙏 Keep the Love Going
If you’ve read the book and haven’t left a review yet, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Reviews are a gift that help authors like me reach new readers and share our stories with the world.
🌟 Thank You for Believing in Me
This debut wouldn’t be what it is without you. Your enthusiasm, your shares, and your word-of-mouth recommendations mean everything. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for letting Loved by You be a part of your bookshelf and your life.
Here’s to love, growth, and chasing every dream. 💫
With all my gratitude,
Alexandrea LeChelle
P.S. If you haven’t already, join me here or on social media to keep up with updates, discussions, and what’s next! I can’t wait to share more stories with you. 💕
Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews