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This Thing Called Love
328 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2025
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296 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 5, 2026
4.5⭐️
I just finished this beautiful book and honestly, what can I say? It’s probably the only short-story collection that has ever earned a 4.5⭐️ from me.
I usually don’t like short-story books at all, but I genuinely loved this one. Every story was cute, engaging, and properly written, which made the entire reading experience so enjoyable.
The .5 rating that I removed was for the high school story. Why? I found it boring and I hated the fact that I did because younger me would have ate that story up. It reminded me that I am growing up and losing my taste in some books and it bothered me. Was it the book’s fault? No. Am I petty? Yes 😂
Anyways, do I have a favorite story? No but I think the first story was a really good start for the book.
I just finished this beautiful book and honestly, what can I say? It’s probably the only short-story collection that has ever earned a 4.5⭐️ from me.
I usually don’t like short-story books at all, but I genuinely loved this one. Every story was cute, engaging, and properly written, which made the entire reading experience so enjoyable.
The .5 rating that I removed was for the high school story. Why? I found it boring and I hated the fact that I did because younger me would have ate that story up. It reminded me that I am growing up and losing my taste in some books and it bothered me. Was it the book’s fault? No. Am I petty? Yes 😂
Anyways, do I have a favorite story? No but I think the first story was a really good start for the book.
December 26, 2025
Rating- 4.5/5
This was worth my money🥰
💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌
This is one of the best short story collections I’ve read this year. I could’ve finished it yesterday, but I didn’t want it to end. I love when a book makes me feel everything, and this book did exactly that for me.
There were 14 stories in total, and I loved 10 of them. The collection doesn’t solely focus on romantic relationships; it also explores friendships. Some stories broke my heart as expected because love isn’t always straightforward, but I still enjoyed them. The emotional range felt honest and earned.
The stories were well executed. One story that stood out for me in terms of execution was ‘Painkiller’, where the use of multiple points of view flowed seamlessly and added depth to the story.
While the collection is mostly sweet and uplifting, it also explores pain, vulnerability, and the messiness that comes with loving people. I also love how it captures the beauty and uncertainty of human connection. It’s the kind of book you read slowly, sometimes smiling to yourself or pausing to feel.
If you’re looking for a read that’ll warm you up this cold winter, or you’re simply a romantic, you won’t regret picking this up.
This was worth my money🥰
💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌
This is one of the best short story collections I’ve read this year. I could’ve finished it yesterday, but I didn’t want it to end. I love when a book makes me feel everything, and this book did exactly that for me.
There were 14 stories in total, and I loved 10 of them. The collection doesn’t solely focus on romantic relationships; it also explores friendships. Some stories broke my heart as expected because love isn’t always straightforward, but I still enjoyed them. The emotional range felt honest and earned.
The stories were well executed. One story that stood out for me in terms of execution was ‘Painkiller’, where the use of multiple points of view flowed seamlessly and added depth to the story.
While the collection is mostly sweet and uplifting, it also explores pain, vulnerability, and the messiness that comes with loving people. I also love how it captures the beauty and uncertainty of human connection. It’s the kind of book you read slowly, sometimes smiling to yourself or pausing to feel.
If you’re looking for a read that’ll warm you up this cold winter, or you’re simply a romantic, you won’t regret picking this up.
January 30, 2026
I absolutely adored this book. The author explored the many aspects of life in such a beautiful way.
March 3, 2026
One of my favourite stories in book has to be 'My Neighbor’s Wife' - The first story.
Charles sees the new neighbour and omo! Man is gone. Instantly smitten. Then his housemate drops the bomb: “That’s someone’s wife.”
Ring? Check. Man in the flat? Check. Everything screaming off limits.
And I actually respected him for this, he didn’t try rubbish. He didn’t test boundaries. He tried to kill the feelings and face his work.
But feelings don’t just disappear because
they meet again. They talk. His head is scattering quietly.
Only to find out months later that the so-called husband is her brother — and the ring? Just protection from nonsense men.
I laughed.
Because tell me why this is such a Nigerian woman strategy? 😂
What made it even funnier for me is that I’ve lived with my brother for years. Imagine people assuming things. The awkwardness!
It’s light, sweet, and slightly dramatic in that innocent-crush way. But underneath the humour, it quietly shows how assumptions can block what might actually be yours.
Sometimes love isn’t forbidden.
Your imagination just overworked itself. 📚
2. Another story that refused to leave my head is “Hey Big Head.” And this one sits firmly in the Psyche section.
Two Ayos. Childhood sweethearts. Met at five. Lost each other. Found each other again. Married.
But love alone wasn’t enough. Before marriage, she had already said it clearly: I don’t want to be a mother. Not out of wickedness. Out of fear. Fear of becoming like her addicted mother. Fear of repeating a story she never asked for.
Then she gets pregnant. He begs. He reassures. He promises support. But trauma doesn’t disappear because someone says “I’ll be there.”
When he gets that call from the clinic, he assumes the worst, that she chose abortion over their marriage. Divorce papers follow. Silence grows. Only for us to find out later she had already suffered a miscarriage on her way to the abortion clinic.
This wasn’t just about a pregnancy. It was about unhealed wounds, assumptions, and how grief can wear the mask of betrayal.
What I loved most is that the story doesn’t villainize either of them. He wanted a child. She wanted safety. Both were protecting something.
And that nickname, “Big Head” coming back at the end?
Soft. Tender. Full circle. From playground teasing to “I hope our child doesn’t inherit your big head.”
It shows that sometimes love survives not because there was no damage, but because there was honesty eventually. This story quietly reminds us that unresolved trauma can almost end a good thing.
But vulnerability can rebuild it.
Soft. Emotional. Real.
Charles sees the new neighbour and omo! Man is gone. Instantly smitten. Then his housemate drops the bomb: “That’s someone’s wife.”
Ring? Check. Man in the flat? Check. Everything screaming off limits.
And I actually respected him for this, he didn’t try rubbish. He didn’t test boundaries. He tried to kill the feelings and face his work.
But feelings don’t just disappear because
they meet again. They talk. His head is scattering quietly.
Only to find out months later that the so-called husband is her brother — and the ring? Just protection from nonsense men.
I laughed.
Because tell me why this is such a Nigerian woman strategy? 😂
What made it even funnier for me is that I’ve lived with my brother for years. Imagine people assuming things. The awkwardness!
It’s light, sweet, and slightly dramatic in that innocent-crush way. But underneath the humour, it quietly shows how assumptions can block what might actually be yours.
Sometimes love isn’t forbidden.
Your imagination just overworked itself. 📚
2. Another story that refused to leave my head is “Hey Big Head.” And this one sits firmly in the Psyche section.
Two Ayos. Childhood sweethearts. Met at five. Lost each other. Found each other again. Married.
But love alone wasn’t enough. Before marriage, she had already said it clearly: I don’t want to be a mother. Not out of wickedness. Out of fear. Fear of becoming like her addicted mother. Fear of repeating a story she never asked for.
Then she gets pregnant. He begs. He reassures. He promises support. But trauma doesn’t disappear because someone says “I’ll be there.”
When he gets that call from the clinic, he assumes the worst, that she chose abortion over their marriage. Divorce papers follow. Silence grows. Only for us to find out later she had already suffered a miscarriage on her way to the abortion clinic.
This wasn’t just about a pregnancy. It was about unhealed wounds, assumptions, and how grief can wear the mask of betrayal.
What I loved most is that the story doesn’t villainize either of them. He wanted a child. She wanted safety. Both were protecting something.
And that nickname, “Big Head” coming back at the end?
Soft. Tender. Full circle. From playground teasing to “I hope our child doesn’t inherit your big head.”
It shows that sometimes love survives not because there was no damage, but because there was honesty eventually. This story quietly reminds us that unresolved trauma can almost end a good thing.
But vulnerability can rebuild it.
Soft. Emotional. Real.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2026
This Thing Called Love by Oreva Ode-Irri is a sweet romance collection divided into two parts: Eros and Psyche, featuring seven stories each.
Every chapter is steeped in yearning and longing, standing out as an exceptional alternative to the “New-age” romance novel.
What I loved most was the variety of dynamics, from friends-to-lovers and enemies-to-lovers to the heartbreaking shift of lovers-turned-enemies. The book captures love in every language, whether it’s between friends, families, or partners.
One of the most mind-blowing aspects was seeing two lovers choose to end their relationship due to their genotype, only to find they were truer soulmates afterward.
The emotions poured into this book are immense; every chapter offers a deeply realistic portrayal of love.
Beyond just the title, the book itself is the definition of what love truly is. It is simply perfect.
My top 3 chapters are “My neighbor’s wife,” “Robot in the shinning armor,” and “The Vow.”
My Neighbor’s Wife.
This story explores the agony of watching the person you love from afar because you believe she is married. The revelation that the "husband" was actually her brother, and the release of that suppressed yearning, was exactly the kind of tension I crave.
Robot in Shining Armor.
This is a poignant look at two people who meet by chance and fall deeply in love, only to discover they are both AS genotype. They try to remain "just friends," but their chemistry makes it impossible. It’s a beautifully painful read.
The Vow.
This story tests the promise of "forever." When a wife loses her womb and the husband’s resolve wavers, she reminds him of the sacred vow they made.
It is a powerful testament to commitment.
If you are a lover of love, or if you’ve been heartbroken and are looking to mend your heart, you need to add this book to your healing journey. It is a perfectly written 5-star read.
Every chapter is steeped in yearning and longing, standing out as an exceptional alternative to the “New-age” romance novel.
What I loved most was the variety of dynamics, from friends-to-lovers and enemies-to-lovers to the heartbreaking shift of lovers-turned-enemies. The book captures love in every language, whether it’s between friends, families, or partners.
One of the most mind-blowing aspects was seeing two lovers choose to end their relationship due to their genotype, only to find they were truer soulmates afterward.
The emotions poured into this book are immense; every chapter offers a deeply realistic portrayal of love.
Beyond just the title, the book itself is the definition of what love truly is. It is simply perfect.
My top 3 chapters are “My neighbor’s wife,” “Robot in the shinning armor,” and “The Vow.”
My Neighbor’s Wife.
This story explores the agony of watching the person you love from afar because you believe she is married. The revelation that the "husband" was actually her brother, and the release of that suppressed yearning, was exactly the kind of tension I crave.
Robot in Shining Armor.
This is a poignant look at two people who meet by chance and fall deeply in love, only to discover they are both AS genotype. They try to remain "just friends," but their chemistry makes it impossible. It’s a beautifully painful read.
The Vow.
This story tests the promise of "forever." When a wife loses her womb and the husband’s resolve wavers, she reminds him of the sacred vow they made.
It is a powerful testament to commitment.
If you are a lover of love, or if you’ve been heartbroken and are looking to mend your heart, you need to add this book to your healing journey. It is a perfectly written 5-star read.
December 11, 2025
The writing is so relatable. It feels really Nigerian.
There’s a warmth to the stories, and even the heavy ones feel tender and hopeful.
This book reiterates for me that love is not meant to be complicated. It should be easy. Safe. Certain.
That love won’t make you doubt yourself. It is a choice and a decision you make that shows you love yourself.
That there is something like being loved in the way you deserve and anything less than that isn’t worth your time.
Dumebi and Asher’s story reminded me of how innocent and cute school crushing are.
I’ve never loved a short story collection more!
There’s a warmth to the stories, and even the heavy ones feel tender and hopeful.
This book reiterates for me that love is not meant to be complicated. It should be easy. Safe. Certain.
That love won’t make you doubt yourself. It is a choice and a decision you make that shows you love yourself.
That there is something like being loved in the way you deserve and anything less than that isn’t worth your time.
Dumebi and Asher’s story reminded me of how innocent and cute school crushing are.
I’ve never loved a short story collection more!
February 5, 2026
Truly heartwarming and relatable stories. I love that most of them were centered on friendship, and spoke about several issues we don’t address enough in relationships. Her writing is so poignant too… I loved this book.
February 18, 2026
.......so this is love.❤️❤️❤️.
I shut away from reading collections of short stories but with this one I was pulled in from start to finish.
Oreva did great with the writing and an impeccable art of storytelling.
I rate it a 4.5⭐.
I shut away from reading collections of short stories but with this one I was pulled in from start to finish.
Oreva did great with the writing and an impeccable art of storytelling.
I rate it a 4.5⭐.
January 6, 2026
The stories were really interesting conveying all aspects of love and romantic relationships.
January 12, 2026
A lovely collection of stories about love - the good, the bad and the ugly. Well-written and relatable
March 11, 2026
Goodreads doesn’t allow half ratings but my rating for this book is a 3.5.
This was a collection of short stories about love and relationships — failed relationships, relationships that worked out, best friends to lovers, strangers to lovers, cheating, and just the many different dynamics that relationships can have. I thought that was really interesting to explore across multiple stories.
I definitely had a good time reading this collection. Some stories really stood out to me, while others fell a bit flat, if I’m being honest. But overall, the writing itself was really good.
I think part of why it worked so well for me is because I’m already familiar with the author as a spoken word artist. As I was reading, I could almost hear her voice in the writing. Like I could imagine how she would perform the words. That made the reading experience even more enjoyable for me.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. There were some fantastic stories in this collection, and overall I really enjoyed it. Loved it. Good work.
This was a collection of short stories about love and relationships — failed relationships, relationships that worked out, best friends to lovers, strangers to lovers, cheating, and just the many different dynamics that relationships can have. I thought that was really interesting to explore across multiple stories.
I definitely had a good time reading this collection. Some stories really stood out to me, while others fell a bit flat, if I’m being honest. But overall, the writing itself was really good.
I think part of why it worked so well for me is because I’m already familiar with the author as a spoken word artist. As I was reading, I could almost hear her voice in the writing. Like I could imagine how she would perform the words. That made the reading experience even more enjoyable for me.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. There were some fantastic stories in this collection, and overall I really enjoyed it. Loved it. Good work.
January 4, 2026
This is such a worthy book. The collection of short stories are on point, there was never a bad chapter or boring chapter
February 16, 2026
This thing called love is a beautiful short story exploring love in its full glory and that love is not only romantic but also friendship,family,toxic love and that not all love ends romantic
It explores love and I love all the stories in the book so beautifully written
I love the first story in the book it was a good story to start the book for me and I love the couples with the Genotype problem
All in love I love it
It explores love and I love all the stories in the book so beautifully written
I love the first story in the book it was a good story to start the book for me and I love the couples with the Genotype problem
All in love I love it
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews