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This Thing Called Love

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Can love be your saviour? Amaira, an aspiring chef, has always put her career first. Her ailing grandfather’s wish forces her into an arranged marriage with the shy and introverted Deven. On their first night, Amaira recklessly declares that their marriage is just an obligation. In the romantic city of Paris, a friendship blossoms between the two. But as Amaira and Deven grow closer, misunderstandings and painful memories from the past threaten their fragile bond. With her career at stake and emotions running high, Amaira must confront her deepest fears about love and trust. Can she and Deven find a way forward, or will their differences push them apart forever?

294 pages, Paperback

Published December 30, 2024

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1491 people want to read

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Deblina Bhattacharyya

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for a_geminireader.
263 reviews14 followers
October 11, 2025
When you see some books, you just know you have to read them, and " This Thing Called Love" was exactly that for me. Amaira, with her big dreams of becoming a top chef, and Deven, quiet, gentle, and patient, are thrown into an arranged marriage, and I honestly didn’t know what to expect. But their story slowly, quietly, completely stole my heart. Watching them go from strangers to friends, and then slowly letting love grow between them, felt so real. The little moments, Deven noticing the tiniest things Amaira loves, their shared laughter, the small gestures of care, they made me laugh, cry, and feel every little heartbeat of their journey.

What I loved most is that this isn’t a loud, dramatic romance. It’s soft, slow, and human. It’s about patience, trust, and learning to understand someone completely. Amaira’s struggles, balancing her ambition with vulnerability, and Deven’s kind, steady nature made them feel like people I could actually know. The Paris setting adds this dreamy, magical charm, and the poetry in each chapter made the emotions linger in my heart.

And I have to say this, Deblina Bhattacharyya has done such a beautiful job with this book. Her writing feels effortless yet deeply emotional. The way she blends love, pain, and self-discovery together makes you feel every emotion she’s trying to convey. There’s a warmth in her words that makes you connect instantly with the characters. It’s hard to believe someone so young could write with this much maturity, sensitivity, and heart. Truly, a storyteller who understands love in its truest form.

By the end, I was sitting there with a warm, full heart, already thinking about what comes next, and honestly, I can’t stop imagining their story. This book isn’t just a romance, it’s about love that grows, trust that strengthens, and moments that stay with you long after the last page. I’m eagerly waiting for the sequel, because their journey isn’t over, and I already miss them.
Profile Image for bookiechan.
65 reviews7 followers
March 26, 2025
"𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨, 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙙. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙬𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨."

✨Slow-burn sweet and emotional love story, Arranged marriage trope, Beautiful Paris, simple heartwarming writing, cliffhanger end✨

•Amaira have big dreams, becoming a top chef 👩‍🍳 while Deven is a the bestselling author✍️ in Paris. When their families arrange their marriage, even they are totally stangers to each other. Their personalities are different and love doesn’t happen instantly. Their relationship becomes awkward, filled with misunderstandings and hesitations. But over time things change, as they spend time together they slowly tries understand each other. Deven, despite his quiet nature turns out to be supportive and kind. Amaira starts to see the good in him and realizes that love is about trust, understanding and effort, but destiny had planned something else.

•I really liked how this book shows love as something that grows over time. It’s not about grand gestures or love at first sight. The relationship between Amaira and Deven feels real, they don’t fall in love immediately, but slowly learn to trust each other. The book’s strength lies in its emotional depth. It’s not a fast paced romance, but if you enjoy slow-burn love stories with mature and meaningful character development, this one is worth read. The Paris and poems in every chapter adds a dreamy touch, making it even more enjoyable. The story was so natural realistic and believable(cute too). But ending left me on shock, eagerly waiting for part 2. (Didn't know this 😭)

•If you enjoy heartwarming❤️‍🩹slow-burn love stories with real emotions, this book is worth reading! It’s a beautiful, emotional, and feel-good read. Not overly dramatic, but soft and warm, like a quiet cup of coffee on a rainy day.
Profile Image for Sruthi NK.
32 reviews3 followers
April 3, 2025
For all you fans of the arranged marriage trope, you’re going to love this book! The story revolves around Amaira and Deven, two individuals thrust into marriage without truly knowing one another. While one enters the union with hopes of building a deep connection and experiencing marital bliss, the other views it as a temporary arrangement destined to end soon.

At the beginning of the book, I must admit, Amaira's character rubbed me the wrong way. Her rudeness towards Deven, who is nothing but kind, felt unjustified. Sure, her circumstances are far from ideal, but I was hoping for a touch of compassion. However, as the story unfolds and we delve into her backstory, her behavior becomes more understandable.

On the other hand, Deven is portrayed as an introverted, sweet guy from the start. And—he’s a writer! How can you not fall for him immediately? As the narrative progresses, we discover more layers to his character, making him even more intriguing.

Deblina’s writing is a beautiful blend of poetic prose and engaging storytelling, making it easy to lose yourself in the pages. This book is a must-read for any romance fan, filled with heartfelt moments and relatable characters. Do check it out!
Profile Image for Anjali Anil.
176 reviews17 followers
March 14, 2025
I recently finished reading “This Thing Called Love” by Deblina Bhattacharya. It is a beautiful and heartwarming contemporary romance that revolves around the themes about love, trust, and second chances. Amaira, is an ambitious chef, and she has always prioritized her career over relationships. But one day when her ailing grandfather wishes for her to marry, she reluctantly agrees to an arranged marriage with Deven,who is a shy and a very reserved man. On their first night together, Amaira makes it clear to Deven that their marriage is only a responsibility and nothing more . But gradually as they begin to spend more time together in the city of Paris, soon an unexpected friendship begins to grow. And just when love seems possible and begins to bloom, some painful memories and misunderstandings occur and it tests their fragile bond. With her career at stake and emotions running high, Amaira must now decide if love is truly worth the risk.

The story beautifully captures the slow journey of Amaira and Deven from being strangers to companions and maybe something more.
Amaira and Deven’s personalities are very contrasting and that makes their interactions engaging and heartfelt.
The Paris backdrop fits perfectly to the romance, making every moment feel cinematic.
This book explores themes of trust, compromise, and emotional healing in a very realistic way.

So if you are someone who love slow-burn romance, arranged marriage tropes, and stories of self-discovery, then this book is a great pick. It is an emotional, feel-good read that reminds us how love can arrive in the most unexpected ways.
Profile Image for Teesta Chattopadhyay.
82 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2025
"This Thing Called Love" by @author_deblina is a moving tale of love, heartbreak, and the fragile beauty of second chances, woven around the complexities of an arranged marriage.

With language that is gentle yet profoundly moving, the story traces the journey of Amaira and Deven as they wrestle with unspoken emotions, shattered expectations, and the silence that lingers between them. By the time you reach the final chapter, you won’t just close the book—you’ll carry it with you, questioning whether you read the story, or the story read you.

This book instantly became one of my favourite reads of 2025, and it felt so personal that I couldn’t stop turning the pages until the end! I finished it in just three sittings over two days, and it took me on a roller coaster of emotions. Having recently lost my grandfather, the story added a personal touch, and Deven became my current book boyfriend! 🙈 I was completely smitten by him. I loved how supportive and thoughtful he was—his actions spoke louder than words. He showed that you can truly love someone without it having to be a romantic relationship.
I also related a lot to Amaira’s traumas. I could see so much of myself in her, and that made this book even more special to me.

I really loved how this book shows love as something that takes time to grow. It’s not about big, dramatic moments or love at first sight. The way Amaira and Deven’s relationship develops feels so real—they don’t just fall in love instantly, but slowly build trust and understanding. That’s what makes the story so beautiful.

It’s not a fast-paced romance, but that’s the charm of it. If you like slow-burn love stories with real emotions and well-written characters, this book is worth picking up. I also enjoyed the Paris setting and the little poems in each chapter—they gave the story a soft, dreamy vibe. What I liked most is how natural and believable everything felt. Also, this book ends in a MASSIVE CLIFFHANGER which will leave you yearning for the second book! 🙈💕

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading - forced proximity, enemies - to - lovers, arranged marriage, slow burn, Paris setting, massive cliffhanger tropes.

Thank you @author_deblina for choosing me as a reviewer of your book baby! I can't wait for the second book of this duology! I am so thrilled to read what happens finally between Deven and Amaira that I can't keep calm 🙈
Profile Image for Vidhya Thakkar.
1,086 reviews140 followers
April 29, 2025
It had been a while since I came across a love story that made me pause, reflect, and relive its characters long after closing the final page. A story that didn’t just entertain but stayed with me, lingering like a favourite song. This Thing Called Love by Deblina Bhattacharyya was exactly that for me.

Set against the romantic backdrop of Paris, the book follows Amaira, an ambitious and aspiring chef, who finds herself in an arranged marriage with Deven, a shy, introverted man. The two begin their newly married life, a relationship born more out of obligation than affection. Amaira, grounded in her dreams and aspirations, makes it clear that their marriage is merely a formality for the family; they are husband and wife in name only.

What unfolds is a beautifully crafted, slow-burn romance between two strangers who slowly grow to understand, support, and eventually care deeply for each other. Their friendship evolves organically. Deven restrains his growing affection, aware of the fragility of their arrangement, while Amaira tries to suppress her own emotions. The emotional tension is palpable, leaving the reader wondering—where is this delicate dance of love and restraint truly heading?

What truly stood out to me were the small, quiet moments they shared—the time they spent together, the little things they did for each other, the silences filled with comfort, and the honest conversations that slowly brought them closer. It was heartwarming to see how, over time, they became each other’s strength in moments of uncertainty and pain. These tender interactions gave the story an emotional authenticity that made it even more immersive.

Read the full review here: https://vidhyathakkar.com/book-review...
Profile Image for Anu.
456 reviews15 followers
May 22, 2025
Book Review: This Thing Called Love by Deblina Bhattacharyya

What happens when a free-spirited chef from India is suddenly bound by an arranged marriage to a quiet, emotionally guarded author in Paris? You get a slow, stirring story that isn’t about fairy-tale love, but the kind that grows quietly — in the spaces between misunderstandings, shared silences, and late-night conversations.

📚 This Thing Called Love is a gentle exploration of relationships, grief, and emotional healing — wrapped in the cozy atmosphere of Paris. We follow Amaira, a bold, ambitious woman who agrees to this marriage only to honor her grandfather’s last wish. And then there’s Deven — a brooding writer, hiding emotional wounds of his own. What begins as duty slowly transforms into something real.

This isn’t insta-love. It’s real love — the kind that hurts before it heals, that asks for patience, empathy, and growth. 💔➡️❤️

What I absolutely loved:
➤ The poetic chapter openings.
➤ How silence is used as a language.
➤ The beautiful, raw moments where Amaira and Deven don’t fix each other — they simply witness and support.

For anyone who has ever had to rebuild themselves — whether after heartbreak, grief, or loneliness — this book is a warm reminder that love can be a safe space, not a storm. 🌧️☕🗝️

💬 If you enjoy slow-burn romances with emotional depth, imperfect yet real characters, and a bit of poetic storytelling — this one deserves a place on your TBR.

📍Set against Paris but written with the heart of India — this is one of those stories that lingers long after the last page.

✨ Sometimes, love doesn’t arrive with grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s just two broken people choosing to stay.
✨ Can’t wait for the second part of this title — because Amaira and Deven still have more story left to tell. 💫
Profile Image for Weekndreads ._..
96 reviews
August 31, 2025
This Thing Called Love isn’t the kind of romance that sweeps you off your feet from the first page. It’s quiet, patient, and achingly slow yet it lingers in your heart long after.

At its heart, this is a tale of two opposites: Amaira, headstrong and practical, and Deven, quiet yet endlessly tender thrown together by fate in a marriage neither of them truly wanted. What follows isn’t a whirlwind romance, but the slowest, gentlest unraveling of two guarded souls learning how to trust.

I’ll admit, this book tested my patience. It’s a very slow burn, so much so that I found myself yearning for just a touch, a glance, a kiss that never seemed to come soon enough. But that’s also the magic of it. Every restrained moment, every unspoken word pulled me deeper into their story.

And then, those quotes and little verses at the beginning of every chapter? Absolutely stunning. They weren’t just fillers; they felt like keys, unlocking the emotions to come. Tiny pieces of poetry that added soul to the narrative.

Deven’s character especially stayed with me. He poured his heart into a relationship that constantly pushed him away, and yet his quiet strength never wavered. Watching him love Amaira, even when she resisted, was both beautiful and heartbreaking. And…. Pop Pop:) what a gem. He was the guiding light of the story, the only man Amaira ever truly trusted, and his presence gave the book its soul.

Yes, the pacing stretched in places, but it added richness to the characters and their journey. More than a romance, this book is a poignant reminder of how fragile love can be when words go unsaid, and how healing begins when we finally choose to open our hearts.

If you’re ready for an emotional ride filled with longing, tenderness, and heartbreak, This Thing Called Love will stay with you long after the last page.
29 reviews
November 10, 2025
✨ I picked up a rom-com book after ages..like literal ages.. I don't even remember the last rom-com book I read. Above everything, I had an eye for this book since its release.

✨ After reading the descriptions of our protagonists, the story might seem very predictable but end was surprising to me. The story was simple. However the poems used in the start of every chapter made the reading experience morefun and engaging. There were a few lines which I loved.

✨ There are few things which I felt would have made this book better like giving a glimpse of the protagonists past life especially family drama, their take on love and life. This would have made me feel more related to the characters from the early chapters. Because in the early chapters, the way protagonists acted especially the female felt rude and unnecessary. Another point that I felt was Deven was quite an ideal person. Yeah..I know that's what we crave while reading fiction but I would have liked to see the anger and frustration of Deven in verbal form because the things which he was going through weren't easy to deal with. So yeah, maybe the book would have been more interesting if Deven wasn't as calm and understanding as he is.

✨ I liked the story, the things were good, the way of expressing things was good but it lacked something...something like 'life'. All the things which can be shown in the twisted manner were written in a casual way and that's something that made this book a subtle and average type of read for me.

✨ Looking forward to its sequel (yeah...story isn't finished yet). Can't wait for it. This would be the first book for which I don't know how I want it to end, but I want an end to it.
Profile Image for Partha Pratim.
747 reviews22 followers
June 11, 2025
📗This Thing Called Love by Deblina Bhattacharya

Some stories don’t start with sparks — they begin with silence, expectations, and strangers standing at the edge of something unknown. This is one of those stories.

📖 This Thing Called Love isn't your usual whirlwind romance. It’s about Amaira and Deven — two very different people brought together by an arranged marriage, bound not by love but by responsibility. And yet, slowly, beautifully, they begin to discover that even the quietest relationships can hold the loudest emotions.
Set in Paris but layered with Indian warmth and emotional honesty, this book is a celebration of love that takes time — the kind that is built, not stumbled into. 🥀🌿

What stood out for me:
➤ Amaira’s fierce independence and hidden vulnerability.
➤ Deven’s quiet pain and his gradual softening.
➤ The emotional maturity — no big drama, just deep, intentional storytelling.

💌 The poetry at the start of each chapter feels like a whisper from the author’s soul, perfectly setting the tone for what’s to come.
This book feels like a warm cup of tea on a rainy evening — soothing, slow, and deeply comforting. It gently reminds you that real love isn’t about intensity, but intimacy. Not about perfection, but presence.

💭 If you enjoy character-driven love stories with depth, silence, healing, and a bit of longing, This Thing Called Love will speak to your heart.

✨ And yes... I’m already counting down to the second part of this journey. Because Amaira and Deven’s story isn’t done yet, and I can’t wait to see where love takes them next. 💫
57 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2025

The author said slow burn—but no, this isn’t slow, it’s the slowest burn ever 😭 Like hello?? 279 pages in and not even a kiss?? I was waiting, crying, hoping 🫠

We started with a beautiful marriage of convenience setup, and I was SO excited—thinking we’d get all the “they’re trying not to fall but oops they’re in love” moments, the close proximity, the stolen touches, the pining. Instead… this book tested every inch of my patience 🫠

And yet—I can’t stop thinking about it.
✨ Deven tried so hard, like actually a lot to be with her but Amaira just couldn’t let him in. The moment he heard that convo of Amaira with Lisa? Yeah, my heart shattered into a million pieces. I get it—she had never been loved or respected by any man, not even her father. But still… Deven deserved so much more.

✨ Pop Pop = the absolute heart of this story. He taught Amaira how to live, and he was the only man she ever truly trusted. I adored him.

✨ And Deven… my sweet baby. He never wanted this marriage, but once it happened, he cared for Amaira every step of the way. He gave everything, and got hurt every. single. time. 😭 Protect him at all costs.

Yes, it was a bit lengthy—some scenes felt stretched—but honestly, they added depth, so I can’t even complain. If anything, this book is the perfect reminder of how miscommunication can break even the strongest relationships.

Now excuse me while I sob for book 2 because I NEED them happy and married and finally kissing already 🫶🏻😭
Profile Image for Bhavi Nagda.
75 reviews
April 3, 2025
I'm obsessed with this beautifully written Indian arranged marriage romance! The story follows Amaira, a passionate chef, and Deven, a quiet and reserved man, as they navigate their unexpected marriage. Their slow-burn romance in the stunning city of Paris had me hooked.

Deven's calm and gentle nature stole my heart. His patience and quiet strength are everything I look for in a book boyfriend. The way he holds space for Amaira, even when she's being frustratingly stubborn, is truly admirable.

The author's portrayal of tender love is special. The focus on emotional connection, quiet moments, and meaningful interactions is perfect for fans of slow-burn romance. I adored the zero-spice, slow-build romance that lets the characters' feelings develop naturally.

Amaira's character, while sometimes infuriating, is relatable and well-developed. Her growth throughout the story is impressive, and her relationship with Deven is authentic and heartwarming.

The writing is lovely, with vivid descriptions of Paris and the characters' emotions. The pacing is well-balanced, with a perfect blend of romance, character development, and plot.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of slow-burn romance, tender love stories, and character-driven fiction. Deven has become my new comfort character, and I'll be thinking about this story for a long time.
Profile Image for DIPTISHA SARKAR.
427 reviews4 followers
May 15, 2025
'This Thing Called Love' (Part 1 of the Duology) by Deblina Bhattacharyya I think is my new favourite romance book! It's the story of Amaira and Deven. Amaira is an aspiring chef, who has been married off to Deven, a very successful writer in Paris, far away from her home in Kolkata.
It was just an arrange marriage agreement for Amaira, which would end as soon as Dadu leaves her.

Her life in Paris was very new and uncomfortable for her in the beginning. Deven, the perfect husband, handsome and introverted, couldn't do much to make Amaira happy (or to make her stay!).

But the warmness of the story evolved with every turn of page, when slowly Amaira and Deven started to accept each other, with their own differences. Amaira started going to the chef school, and Deven began working on his second book. Would their slow friendship turn into something more?

Tropes:
Arranged marriage 💍
Slow burn 🌞

The storyline is simple and very enjoyable and the author's capability to pull in the readers is really commendable. The chemistry between Amaira and Dev can be easily seen growing throughout the book. The narrative flows smoothly. I swear I had not expected something like this at the ending. This part was left at a cliffhanger.
Please make them fall in love @author_deblina. They're perfect for each other. 😭
Profile Image for Karan  Kumar.
14 reviews
April 11, 2025
To all those who keep their faith in the power of love, despite)
being wounded by it,
To the dreamers and romantics,
To those who feel deeply and love hard,
This is for you.
Love is a journey, not a destination.

It is about two strangers person Amira and Deven.Amaira, an aspiring chef, has always put her career first, and Deven is an author. Her ailing grandfather's wish forces her into an arranged marriage with the shy and introverted Deven. On their first night, Amaira recklessly declares that their marriage is just an obligation.

In the romantic city of Paris, a friendship blossoms between the two. But as Amaira and Deven grow closer, misunderstandings and painful memories from the past threaten their fragile bond. With her career at stake and emotions running high, Amaira must confront her deepest fears about love ❤️. Deven was a so good and strong person who had the patience because when
Amaira was not loving him. I was thinking that they would be apart forever, but they didn't then become a couple .

Reading could let you be the person you could never be in real life; it could make you feel, make you love, make you listen and understand, and make you empathise.

I really loved this book❤️ .

Highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Naina.
35 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2025
Debilna Bhattacharyya's ‘This Thing Called Love’ takes readers on an emotional roller coaster ride.The story follows Amaira,an ambitious chef,and Deven,a best-selling author with a reserved personality.They are brought together through an arranged marriage.
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On their very first wedding night,Amaira sets clear boundaries,stating that their marriage is merely a duty and of short duration,so Deven shouldn't expect anything more.
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However,Paris has its own magic!As Amaira and Deven start their new life together,an unexpected friendship develops.Their differences evolve into a beautiful bond, filled with shyness and unspoken words.As love begins to blossom,past traumas and misunderstandings threaten their world.
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The development of their bond felt genuine,and I loved Deven's character.Deven is shown to be supportive, caring,and very kind towards his wife despite all the unfavorable circumstances.
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The emotional depth of the book is truly heart touching!If you enjoy slow-burn romance,second chances,emotional healing,or the arranged marriage trope,then you should definitely give this book a try!
Profile Image for Soumya Shahdeo.
103 reviews
April 15, 2025
You’ve probably heard of that one book with the one-sided love trope—the kind where your crush ignores you, but just when you’ve lost all hope, they finally fall for you.
Yes, This Thing Called Love is that book... but with the added magic of an arranged marriage twist.

I don’t want to spoil much because this book deserves to be experienced without expectations. It is so, so good.

Let’s talk about the poetries—oh my god, they’re absolutely fabulous! The way the author blends heartfelt poetry with the story is just beautiful and brilliant. I’ve honestly run out of adjectives to describe how stunning the writing is.

Set in the dreamy city of Paris, the story follows Deven and Amaira—a couple living together. Amaira is an upcoming chef, and Deven is a famous writer. Their journey together is full of emotions, heartbreak, and healing.

Overall, this book was a 5/5 for me.
If you’re someone who’s already heartbroken—like me—or just want to willingly go through an emotional rollercoaster, then you need to read this book ASAP.
And Deven? He’s my ultimate green forest husband. I don’t know how much Amaira loves him, but I swear I love him the most!
25 reviews
August 23, 2025
I just finished reading this book and wow, I'm still reeling! This story... it's a heart-grabber. The book itself had me hooked!

Amaira's journey is something else. As an aspiring chef, she's got her life mapped out, career first. Then, BAM! An arranged marriage. Talk about a curveball! And Deven, the quiet, introverted husband? Their initial dynamic is a beautiful mess of awkwardness and unspoken feelings. The story unfolds in Paris, and the city itself becomes a character. I felt like I was wandering the streets with them, witnessing their hesitant steps toward each other.

But here's where it gets you. It's not just a romance; it's about facing your fears, about trust, and about healing. Amaira's past, the walls she's built... it's all so raw and relatable. Can love truly be a savior? This book explores that question with such depth. The misunderstandings, the painful memories... they threatened to tear them apart. But the journey of these two characters, their growth, their vulnerability... it's what makes this book truly special. I'm still thinking about them.

It's a must-read, and I'm already recommending it to everyone I know!
Profile Image for harshiiiii_02.
85 reviews3 followers
October 14, 2025
3.6 ⭐
This Thing Called Love by Deblina is such an emotional rollercoaster that had me hooked from the start. It follows Amaira, an ambitious chef trying to juggle her career while also fulfilling her grandfather’s last wish of marrying Deven, a shy and introverted guy. But Amaira being Amaira, recklessly declares that marriage is just an obligation.

Set against the dreamy backdrop of Paris, her journey from seeing marriage as a burden to slowly finding love and comfort in Deven is portrayed so beautifully. The story feels real, raw, and emotional, not your typical romance at all. It captures how love truly is: filled with pain, trust, misunderstandings, unexpected connections, and all that messy magic. It’s not dramatic, just a slow bloom that feels honest and heartfelt.

I loved Deblina’s writing style it's simple, heartfelt, and so easy to sink into. If you love imperfect love stories with characters who are messy yet sincere, flawed, and full of emotion, this one’s definitely for you!
Profile Image for Diljeet Johar.
108 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2025
“This Thing Called Love” by Deblina Bhattacharyya is a warm and relatable romance that truly captures the messy, beautiful journey of love and understanding. The story follows Amaira, a passionate chef with big dreams, and Deven, a calm and guarded man. Forced into an arranged marriage, both characters believe this union is only a formality, but as they navigate their new life together in Paris, something genuine starts to bloom between them.

What makes this book stand out is its slow and realistic build-up of feelings. Instead of instant attraction, the characters take their time opening up, learning to trust, and supporting each other through insecurities and fears. The chapters begin with heartfelt quotes that set the tone, and the writing style is simple yet evocative, making it easy for any reader to connect with Amaira and Deven’s world.

Overall, “This Thing Called Love” is a touching read about finding love in unexpected places, healing old wounds, and growing together as partners. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys slow-burn romances that feel real and full of hope.
44 reviews
December 16, 2025
The book "This Thing Calle LOVE" by is an intresting Indian arranged marrige which is beautifully carved on paper.✍️
It is a story of a girl named Amaira who isan ambelitious chef who always put her career first... over a love life! One day she married to an extreamly shy and introvert guy, Deven.😍
Deven was a best selling author with a reserved personality. On the first night of their marriage she made it clear to Devan to not expect more from their relation. 😵‍💫

With the flow of time...the two strangers grew up into a beautiful bond called FRIENDS. 🎀
It was just a commencement of soft love when some past memories and misunderstandings knocked the door. 🥺
And this was a turning point of their life.

Read " This thing called LOVE" to know the full story.✨️

If you like slow love bonds, emotional love stories, arrange marriage, then this book should be your next pick.🫡

The thing I loved the most about this book is that every chapter start with a very beautiful quote.😙🥰
15 reviews
March 25, 2025
Love isn’t always grand gestures or dramatic confessions. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet moments, the unspoken words, and the slow, uncertain journey of two people finding their way to each other. This Thing Called Love captures this essence beautifully.

At its heart, the story follows Amaira, a passionate chef, and Deven, a reserved writer living in Paris. Their marriage isn’t born out of love but a promise. What unfolds is a gradual transformation—from ignorance to understanding, from awkward silences to whispered confessions.

What makes this book special is its realistic portrayal of love. It doesn’t rush emotions or romanticize relationships unrealistically. Instead, it highlights how love grows in everyday moments—small gestures, quiet support, and shared struggles.

If you enjoy sincere, slow-burn romance that feels raw and genuine, this book is for you.
Profile Image for Shanu Readss.
55 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2025
This is the story of Deven and Amaira, an arranged marriage trope. Amaira is the total opposite of Deven, who is an introvert and writer. Amaira married Deven at his Grandfather’s request, but she never truly accepted the union and chose to remain apart. Nevertheless, they both still reside in Paris together.
The beauty of this book lies in the small, quiet moments where two people slowly start knowing each other, learning, and silently supporting one another.I left bad how much Deven cared for Amaira, even when he knew he might never get the same love and care back.

I felt like the story was a little slow in the middle, but the last five chapters just gave me to tears. I’m not sure why, but it really got to me.

Now, I’m eagerly waiting for the second part and hopefully it gives us the happy ending this story deserves.
Profile Image for Diya Khaleef.
62 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2025
“This thing called love” by Deblina Bhattacharya is a tender, emotionally rich romance that beautifully captures love, vulnerability and self discovery. The story follows “Amaira” a passionate chef and “Deven” a shy and reserved man, whose arranged marriage slowly blooms into something profound against the romantic backdrop of Paris. What makes it special is its authenticity, they are not a perfect couple but two flawed individuals learning to trust, forgive, and understand each other.

Deblina’s poetic yet grounded storytelling evokes warmth and reflection, pulling readers into a world where love is not a fairy tale but a choice that demands patience and courage. With heartfelt moments and a touch of Parisian charm “This thing called love” is a deeply moving read that provided a gentle reminder that love is, in all its imperfect forms, is worth believing in.
Profile Image for anibookglow .
17 reviews
September 10, 2025
This story starts with a girl who dreams to be a chef and a writer tied up in an arranged marriage by her grandfather's wishes.

Despite Amaira's initial resistance to their relationship, they develop a lovely friendship. But, he falls in love with her. Does this love bloom? Yes, with their impending friendship.
I love their friendship phase so much.

The book ends with a massive cliffhanger. It'll keep you wondering what's going to happen.

But their story isn't over yet, because in love, doubts can't be just erased without confrontation.

Their story made me realise, we should confront the people we love, otherwise we will keep wondering and blaming each other.

I can't believe what happened? We definitely need clearance, it's a demand from me, from the readers to release Book 2 soon.
92 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2025
“This Thing Called Love” by Deblina Bhattacharyya is a touching exploration of how love unfolds in unexpected ways. The author masterfully weaves together emotions of affection, heartbreak, and hope with graceful simplicity. The characters feel alive flawed yet endearing making their journeys deeply relatable. What stands out most is the authenticity of emotions and the realistic portrayal of relationships; it doesn’t romanticize love but shows it as a beautiful, sometimes messy, always transformative experience. Deblina’s writing style is elegant yet effortless, with moments that stay with you long after you finish the book. Whether you’re a romantic at heart or someone seeking a story that mirrors the bittersweet rhythm of real life, this novel will surely touch your soul.
Profile Image for Anushka.
55 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2025
The storyline was amazing , I loved how beautifully the author portrayed the slow journey of Deven and Amaira in their arranged marriage. Most people think that arranged marriages are not flexible, because we do not know the person but I personally think it is beautiful in the best possible way because the slow pace of getting to know each other and obviously the slow burn romance makes it an amazing experience. The journey of being strangers to friends to companions and finally the sacred bond of love makes this book a masterpiece. ✨

I personally adore Deven so much, like how he knew that there wasn't anything to expect out of their marriage but still he selflessly cared and loved Amaira was truly beautiful. I can obviously understand Amaira's pov of giving her career priority over relationships but when you know you know!! 🤌🏻🤎

I also loved how the author has started each chapter with beautiful poetry, each one delivers a special message which will change your brain chemistry into something totally different, the way I cried and sobbed and blushed and kicked my feet altogether made my reading journey even more special !! So I would highly recommend this book to everyone who loves second chance and slow burn romances with tropes of self discovery.
74 reviews
October 12, 2025
Deblina Bhattacharya's "This Thing Called Love" is a beautiful, tender love story of Amyra and Deven, who are locked in an arranged marriage. Their journey from strangers to friends and then falling in love is genuine, heartwarming, and human. The story's strength lies in its subtleties—small gestures, shared laughter, and Deven's attention to Amyra's little things. Amyra's ambition and vulnerability, combined with Deven's compassionate nature, make them feel at ease. The poetry in each chapter is deeply emotionally resonant. Deblina's writing is simple yet deeply emotional, blending love, pain, and self-discovery.
Profile Image for Jas.
67 reviews
August 26, 2025
I loved this book! It’s a great example of how miscommunication and assumptions can quietly destroy even the most beautiful relationships. The story really dives into the complexities of love, showing how important it is to be open and honest. The characters feel real, with flaws and vulnerabilities that make their journey relatable. The writing is engaging and keeps you hooked from start to finish. It’s a thoughtful reminder to communicate and not take love for granted.
36 reviews
May 10, 2025
A slow-burn romance that beautifully explores love born not out of fireworks, but through quiet resilience and mutual respect. If you enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth and a Parisian charm, this one’s for you.
10 reviews
June 4, 2025
A love story that starts with silence, not sparks.
Set in Paris, this quiet, tender tale follows Amaira and Deven—two strangers bound by circumstance, growing into something deeper through shared spaces and unspoken care. No drama, no clichés. Just raw, slow, human connection.
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