The Name I Spoke Instead: A Heartbreaking Romance of Love, Memory, and the One Word That Changed Everything

by Divya Chauhan

Piyush leaves India hoping a new country will help him move on from the love he never truly let go of. Edinburgh offers him a fresh start, but no matter how hard he tries, the past still finds its way into his thoughts.

Then he meets Vani.
She's organised, independent, and completely different from anyone he's ever known. What begins with constant disagreements slowly turns into an unexpected friendship, and before he realises it, she's become the one person who makes Edinburgh feel like home.
But the past isn't always ready to let go, even when we are.

The Name I Spoke Instead is a slow-burn contemporary romance about love, friendship, healing, and the unexpected moments that change everything.

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Rashmi Bookish_maa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading 'The Name I Spoke Instead' and I'm still reeling from the experience. This book is more than just a story – it's a poignant exploration of love, loss, and longing that will resonate deeply with anyone who's ever experienced heartache.

As I turned the pages, I found myself fully immersed in Piyush's journey. His struggles to escape his past and find solace in the present felt hauntingly familiar. The author's vivid descriptions of Edinburgh and India transported me to new worlds, but it was the characters' emotional landscapes that truly captivated me.

Vani's kindness and compassion towards Piyush touched my heart, and their love story had me rooting for them from the very beginning. But it's the themes of this book that will stay with me long after I close the cover – the pain of memories, the power of love to heal, and the enduring nature of heartache.

A Must-Read for Anyone Who's Ever Loved and Lost

If you're looking for a book that will make you feel seen, heard, and understood, 'The Name I Spoke Instead' is an absolute must-read. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and reflect on your own experiences with love and loss.
Thank you 😊
.
reccomended 👍🏽

[Sharmila Sengupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading The Name I Spoke Instead was like finding a quiet corner in a busy café—comforting and unexpectedly warm. From the very first page, I felt deeply connected to Piyush’s inner world. His desire to escape the pain of his past felt so real, so relatable. I was drawn into his journey of trying to find peace in Edinburgh, thinking he could finally breathe without the weight of old mistakes.

What truly touched me was Vani—her calm strength and the way she gently stirred something long buried in Piyush’s heart. Their connection felt genuine, like a pause in life that everyone longs for but rarely finds. The story’s turning point, with that phone call, hit me right in the chest. It’s a reminder that some pasts never truly go away, no matter how far we run.

This book is a beautiful reminder that love often finds us when we least expect it, and some goodbyes linger longer than we think. It’s a deep dive into human emotions, full of warmth, hope, and a touch of melancholy. I couldn’t put it down—and I think anyone who’s ever loved and lost will find a little piece of themselves in these pages.

[Jini Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall 3.75 stars.

This novella is a beautifully melancholic drama that explores the impact past relationships (both romantic and non-romantic) have on the main characters’ current outlook on life.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing; the prose is beautiful and easy to read. The characters are well written, and their development is explored effectively despite this being a relatively short book.
Although I enjoyed the characters themselves, some of the decisions they made, whether verbal or active, did frustrate me at times. I also should have checked that this was the first book in a series, as the story ends abruptly on a cliffhanger. Personally, I feel this could have been developed more gradually rather than ending so suddenly.
Overall, this is a beautiful debut from a new author who clearly understands melancholic, slow-burn romance.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cliffhanger! I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice small comforting story about Piyush and Vani and reading about how they cope with their feelings was sad at times but also really sweet. The details of the story made me feel like it was with them in Edinburgh watching their story play out. I hope Piyush starts to be more open with Vani in the next book and I don’t want Meghna contacting him to completely ruin what he was about to do 😭

[Audrey Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn college romance

For those looking for love while trying to decipher their past and finding their future. For those who long for love but don't feel deserving. For those who are navigating a new world, a new life, a new love. This slow burn college romance is for you. I cant wait to read book 2 and see what happens next!

[Georgina Craddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed this. The MMC is annoying slightly as he can’t stop thinking about his ex and then she rings him 😳 I really want to read the next book, he better not give in to her I swear 😂😭 It is really captivating and I couldn’t stop reading I took away one star because of his ex calling, how dare she he was one knock away from happiness 😂

[Meriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt Piyush’s quiet struggle linger as he tried to rebuild in Edinburgh. Vani’s calm presence brought a softness I appreciated. That unexpected phone call stirred old emotions. I finished reflective and would recommend it to thoughtful readers who enjoy emotional second chances stories.

[Eiji Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about finding love meanwhile looking back at the past to find out how everything happen, inner conflict and grief that impact a person. its a beautiful short story with a slowburning plot worth reading.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved how the characters have truly realistic backgrounds and attributes—it allows the reader to connect with characters and perhaps even relate in some ways. I found myself wishing we had more time to dive into the characters. The pacing moved quite quickly in certain sections, and I would have loved to linger in those moments a bit longer to see the arcs fully develop.

[Amber 🍓🪩✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a bittersweet novella about two people, I loved the way it was written and the real life struggles included. Cannot wait until the next!

[sophsshelflife · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella, it was really refreshing and had great attention to detail. It was such an easy and entertaining read and the writing style was great! I’d be interested to look at some more books by this author. I specifically enjoyed the setting of this story and how it is based in Edinburgh, from someone from Scotland the imagery was excellent and really created an amazing atmosphere for the story!