A sweeping, atmospheric contemporary romance that seamlessly blends a second-chance love story with a gripping art-world mystery.

In IT WAS IT IS JUST LOVE, author Tanishq Maini crafts an elegiac, dual-timeline narrative set against the stunning, sun-drenched backdrop of Lisbon, Portugal.

When internationally acclaimed but emotionally distant painter Julian Mercer returns to Lisbon for his mentor’s funeral, he expects to confront his past-but he doesn't expect to see Marlowe Dias. Twelve years prior, a tragic warehouse fire ripped their young lives apart, forcing Marlowe into a coercive marriage of convenience with a predatory billionaire collector to protect her family.

Living under a pseudonym and quietly working in art restoration, Marlowe has spent a decade rebuilding her fractured life tile by tile. But Julian’s sudden re-emergence fractures her carefully constructed armor. As Julian begins a relentless pursuit of the truth behind the arson that stole their youth, the duo must navigate a dangerous web of corporate corruption and psychological intrigue.

Imbued with the profound Portuguese concept of saudade-the aching beauty of longing and absence-this romantic drama explores whether love can truly survive a decade of secrets. Richly descriptive and deeply emotional, IT WAS IT IS JUST LOVE is a mature, suspenseful romance fiction novel perfect for readers of complex character studies, artistic themes, and slow-burn romantic suspense.