A Little Bit of Love: A Real Kind of Love Prequel

by Bella Jay

"There was no doubt in my mind that my New Year’s resolution was to make her mine. Since the day we met two years ago there was always something about her pretty ass that stopped me in my tracks. And this was the year, I was finally about to act on that..."

A short, sweet & spicy novelette.

Author Note: This is a Prequel Novelette to A Real Kind of Love, the first book in my Four Letter Word series.

Genres: Novella

55 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2021

About the author

Miami bred, Bella Jay (born Precious Rodgers) has had a love for books since she was a little girl. Getting lost in them was a favorite past time but writing them has become a true love. In 2018, with a little push she stepped out on faith and released her first novel to the world allowing her writer alter ego, Bella Jay, to take flight into the writing industry.

She writes spicy & contemporary Black romance books with unapologetically flawed characters who she loves to fix.

When she’s not wrapped up in her characters, she can be found traveling the world, building her empire, sipping on tea or wine while reading a book, and wishing healthy eats were pancakes or cupcakes.

Reviews

[Malene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great prequel and introduction to the characters Ave and Siah. Friends to lovers with lots of chemistry.

[Qiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short gives readers the back story of Dasiah and Avelyn from the author's book A Real Kind of Love. Making me genuinely fall in love with Dasiah. This was a cute short read with some really bomb sex scenes. This book mentions Valentine's day at the very end, but is not a Valentine's day book.

[Kema B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew Avelyn is something else! This novella definitely has me intrigued to see where there story goes from here. I feel like she is going to regret those words. Can’t wait to read it.

[NeiNey.ThaReadinDoula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew. This prequel did exactly what a prequel should- it lit the match and left me staring at the flame, wondering just how hot it’s going to burn in the main book.

Dasiah? Straightforward, fine, and not here for games. He knows what (and who) he wants, and his eyes are locked on Avelyn. Meanwhile, Avelyn is giving us full hot and cold energy- one minute leaning in, the next pulling away like her heart’s on a timer. When Dasiah finally wedges his foot in the door, she’s two seconds from slamming it shut. And I need to know why.

The banter is sharp, the secondary characters have that “you’d actually grab a drink with them” vibe, and the chemistry between Dasiah and Avelyn? Electric...like, touch this spark and you’ll feel it in your bones electric. I’m already bracing myself because I can tell Avelyn’s going to have me stink eyeing my Kindle at least once or twice.

This was short, cute, and low key addictive. I’m not just curious, I’m invested. Dasiah might just be all bae, and I need the rest of this love story in my life now.

[Latisha Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute story about young love, and I cant wait to find out why Ave is so scared to love. And I hope it doesn't turn Dasiah away from it.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soo good!!

I’m glad I read this prequel before reading the four letter word series! This was a good start to how Ave is the reason she is and Dasiah was such a sweetheart. Can’t wait to read more about their journey to love!

[JasG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cute little novelette tells the story of Dasiah and Avelyn from A Real Kjnd of Love. One thing I love about this author is that there is always a message for the readers. Avelyn, a hard-headed woman who wasn’t looking for love or any type of serious relationship, was caught off guard when she started feeling something different for mutual friend, Dasiah.

This story is a prequel, so it’s a perfect place to start the Four Letter Word series by this author. This story made me chuckle because like Avelyn, we all try to control or have a plan for our lives, but then something or someone comes along and changes all of that.

Such a cute read!

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel has me excited about reading the full book.

Dasiah is an upfront guy. He wants Avelyn and he's not made it a secret. Avelyn's the one who's running hot and cold. When he finally gets a foot in the door, it seems like she's gonna squeeze it. What's next for this couple? I definitely want to know.

With witty, humorous dialogue, pretty cool secondary characters and a couple with blazing chemistry, this prequel is a great introduction to what looks like a page-turner.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by Bella Jay; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

She has written a good short story. For over two years Dasiah has had a crush on Avelyn but timing was never right so he made a New Year’s resolution that he was going to make her his.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice novelette telling the story of Dasiah and Avelyn. I’m a sucker for friends to lovers story and this one is one that is done right. I’m very interested now to read how their journey continues. Great read!

[Jay]

I wish I had read this sooner so that I could truly remember the dynamic between the two characters (I read the entire series last year)! Always enjoy Bella Jay’s writing style though!

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prequel to Avelyn and Dasiah’s story. It was a funny sexy read. I can’t wait to dive into their full story.

[Jaleesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge fan of origin stories after I know the ending. So I was a little apprehensive but I love everything Bella has written so I figured if anyone could change my mind it was her and I was right. I think this book made me love Dasiah more and certainly appreciate the evolution of Avelyn.....and if I’m being perfectly honest I’m glad I knew how their story ended before I read the book. The Four Letter Word series as a whole is just really good. I don’t know if we’ll see these characters again but I wouldn’t be mad at an update novella. IJS.

[Ieshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect prequel to lead into a series.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all this book is a wonderful foray into the Bella Jay World. This is the first book I read of hers and I am hooked. Started the first book in this series right away because I HAD to know what happened next.

Avelyn and Dasiah will give readers all the feels. This book has it all unrequited love, steamy sex and a heartbreaking breakup. You will not be able to let go of this story once you read this short novella.

[Turningcover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel was a nice and quick read giving details on the building of Dasiah and Avelyn relationship. One isn't looking for a relationship, but the other is determined to make things happen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[martha fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait to read more about this couple as I start the Real Kind of Love series. I want to know what is up with Avelyn and her reluctance to be in a committed relationship because baby Dasiah is the truth...all bae.

[babygirllit (Tish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this friends to lover novelette. The story line is centered around Avelyn and Dasiah. Dasiah has always had eyes for Avelyn, but have not had the opportunity to make a move.  Well the doors may have opened up for him. You will have to read the book to find out what happens.
 
I don’t read much novelettes, but I enjoyed this book and plan to read the series following it.

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avelyn and Dasiah are so cute! I love that the author decided to write a story giving their backstory. Avelyn and Dasiah were the first couple that I read about from this author and I loved how they progressed in the other stories. But, it’s something about seeing how they came together that just did it for me! I will say, Siah has been consistent and Avelyn did not tell one lie on how she would be, lol. Very cute and short read! ♥️

[Camisha Crisp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love can be a dirty word sometimes

I loved the intro this series. I need to know will Avelyn allow Dasiah to love her. I want to know what they are holding back from each other. I also want to know why I haven’t read Bella Jay before now!! Love the characters in this series and I can’t wait to know them more!

[Sammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like you should read this to understand book 1 of the series a little better but that’s my opinion only

[CT · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Little Bit of Love is a charming, intimate prequel that lands all the right emotional notes. It’s a perfect pick for anyone craving a sweet but meaningful introduction to Bella Jay’s series.

The chemistry between the two leads really shines. Their friendship feels authentic, and the slow shift into something deeper is handled with a lot of care. You can feel both of their vulnerabilities — one quietly hoping, the other trying to be cautious — and that gentle back-and-forth gives the story its heartbeat.

It’s a quick read, but in the best possible way: a little stolen moment you want to loop back to. You turn the final page and immediately think, “Okay wait… that was adorable. Where’s the next book?”

[Shameka Erby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel to a series I'm definitely digging into. Dasiah and Avelyn are friends and Dasiah has been wanting Avelyn for a long time. Avelyn is afraid of love and doesn't want to lead him on, but she wants him too. And then one night, she finally stops saying no to herself... and to him.

I like them together. The chemistry was great. Dasiah's pining was on point--I love to see a man down bad about the woman he loves. Avelyn's hesitancy was sad to read. And I need to see if they get it together. The prequel hooked me. Bella has a great writing style and characters that are real. I love that.

[Lisa Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m team Dasaia

What the hezzie Avelyn…. ? I can’t wait to see where her trauma began. This was pretty quick (even though I took my time) I enjoy the feeling of each character. The fact that he waited for her for 2 years is completely understandable, but the airport scene took me back to Whitley and Dewayne days on a Different World 🌎 😲🫢💯💜🤦🏽‍♀️………. On to book 2. I’ll be back!!!!

[Rise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the introduction to Avelyn and Dasiah. Avelyn issues seems to be around the word love. She doesn't want someone to love her because she's chosen to not fall in love with anyone nd Dasiah is the man wants to be the man in her life however she is hesitant. Not sure if I'm going to read next book at the present, but eventually will come back to read the next book.

[Salene Whyte (thee_book_connoisseur_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the author's book A Real Kind of Love, this short novella tells readers the history of Dasiah and Avelyn. Causing me to fall in real love with Dasiah. This was a sweet short with some amazing sex scenes, as always. I don't like Avelyn, and I think she will regret what she did. Dasiah did so much for her, yet she was blind to it. Dasiah is bae for sure.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am ready to read this series. I need to know what’s going to happy next with Siah and Ave (shorten names). Ave being someone who can’t commit is saying yes to being with Siah. How will everything unfold.

I like the prequel. This five star is based on how this book made me feel and the experience it gave me. To each their own.

[Kyra Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicely done!!

This was cute! I can't wait to read the other book so I can see how their story ends. Already I can tell that Avelyn is going to make me mad!!! I'm headed to download the next part right now!

[Carlotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely have loved everything I have read about this author since discovering her on Twitter. The main thing I like is her stories are not just typical urban romance tales without some pain and angst and lack of three-dimensional characters. These things really bring the characters to life.

[Fatimah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short prequel was great. The introduction of characters was exactly what I needed & it left me wanting more. The scenes were definitely spicy & descriptive. Dasiah is giving Avelyn a run for her money & im here for it.