This thing called love by Deblina Bhattacharyya

This Thing Called Love by Deblina Bhattacharyya – A Tender Tale of Unlikely Love, Healing, and Emotional Depth

I’ve often found myself wondering—what is it about romance novels that effortlessly pull me away from the realities of life? Even after experiencing the bittersweet truths of real-world relationships, why do fictional love stories, especially those featuring soft, patient men, feel more comforting than reality?

The answer, perhaps, lies in the way romance books craft their characters. They’re not perfect—but they’re flawed in all the right ways. They feel real, yet they offer just enough idealism to make us believe in love again. These stories make the chaos of real life seem a little less intimidating, giving us hope, warmth, and a safe space to dream.

This Thing Called Love by Deblina Bhattacharyya is a beautiful embodiment of that feeling. The novel introduces us to Deven, a true “green forest” of a man—a rare breed in both fiction and reality. Deven is kind-hearted, soft-spoken, and sensitive. Orphaned at a young age and raised in Paris by his uncle and aunt, he grows into a thoughtful romance writer who believes in love with all his heart.

Enter Amaira, a headstrong woman with a fiery spirit, a deep passion for cooking, and a profound bond with her grandfather. When fate compels them into a marriage of convenience, Deven dares to believe he’s finally found the love he’s longed for. But Amaira shatters that hope on their very first night, firmly declaring that their marriage is nothing more than a temporary arrangement until divorce.

What follows is a beautifully written slow-burn romance that gently transitions from resentment to friendship and eventually, tentative trust. Deven stands as a quiet guardian of Amaira’s emotions, enduring her anger, emotional barriers, and inner turmoil with patience that never feels performative. He’s the kind of male lead who makes you sigh and wonder—where can I find someone like him?

Amaira’s transformation is equally powerful. Her guarded heart slowly begins to open as she discovers the silent strength and unwavering support Deven provides, even when she doesn’t know she needs it. But just as the emotional distance between them begins to fade, one heartbreaking event turns everything upside down, shaking Amaira’s fragile hope and pushing her to make difficult choices.

The novel masterfully explores themes of forced marriage, cross-cultural identity, broken families, dreams, healing from emotional trauma, unrequited love, and the nuanced dynamics of marriage. Deblina Bhattacharyya’s writing is deeply emotional, richly layered, and highly immersive. Her characters are not just well-developed—they grow with the reader, slowly revealing their truths, pain, and dreams with each passing chapter.

What truly stood out to me was the deep emotional character development, the authentic portrayal of vulnerability, and the slow, satisfying unraveling of each character’s inner world. Every scene is crafted with care, making the emotional payoff incredibly rewarding.

P.S. I hugged this book the moment I finished it. It felt like a warm embrace—the kind that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. Deven and Amaira’s journey will stay with me for a long time.

If you’re a fan of character-driven romance novels, love the marriage-of-convenience trope, and enjoy stories filled with emotional depth, This Thing Called Love is a must-read. It’s not just a romance; it’s a heartfelt exploration of love, resilience, and the quiet courage it takes to let someone in.

Bonus? It’s the first book in a duology, and I can’t wait to dive into the next chapter of their journey!