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Y2K Love #2
Schoolies '99
Love the nostalgia of the late 90s? Think every unforgettable moment deserves a soundtrack? Then dive into Schoolies '99—a coming-of-age Aussie prequel to Y2K Love, book one in the series. This novella drops you into the chaotic heart of Australia’s iconic post-high school rite of passage, where friendship, first love, and hard-won independence all collide.
Sarah, the quintessential "good girl" from a sheltered Catholic school, yearns for Schoolies to be her chance at true freedom and reinvention. She dreams of shedding her careful politeness, embracing adventure, and finally feeling chosen instead of overlooked. But her parents’ strict rules and watchful eyes threaten to confine her even as she tries to fly. By her side is Lauren, her rebellious best friend, a whirlwind of meticulous planning and bold declarations. Yet beneath Lauren’s fierce independence lies a secret battle with restless energy and anxiety, a struggle she manages by fiercely protecting Sarah from the world’s sharp edges.
As they navigate the sun-drenched, liquor-fuelled chaos of Surfers Paradise, their bond is put to the ultimate test when Sarah encounters a new crush. From wild apartment parties to quiet, vulnerable confessions on the beach, Schoolies '99 explores the messy, exhilarating reality of growing up and the unwavering power of chosen family. Brimming with raw emotional honesty, this delightful novella is sure to resonate with fans of contemporary coming-of-age fiction.
So join Sarah and Lauren as they tumble through excitement, betrayal, and self-discovery in a world where finding yourself often means leaning on each other.
Sarah, the quintessential "good girl" from a sheltered Catholic school, yearns for Schoolies to be her chance at true freedom and reinvention. She dreams of shedding her careful politeness, embracing adventure, and finally feeling chosen instead of overlooked. But her parents’ strict rules and watchful eyes threaten to confine her even as she tries to fly. By her side is Lauren, her rebellious best friend, a whirlwind of meticulous planning and bold declarations. Yet beneath Lauren’s fierce independence lies a secret battle with restless energy and anxiety, a struggle she manages by fiercely protecting Sarah from the world’s sharp edges.
As they navigate the sun-drenched, liquor-fuelled chaos of Surfers Paradise, their bond is put to the ultimate test when Sarah encounters a new crush. From wild apartment parties to quiet, vulnerable confessions on the beach, Schoolies '99 explores the messy, exhilarating reality of growing up and the unwavering power of chosen family. Brimming with raw emotional honesty, this delightful novella is sure to resonate with fans of contemporary coming-of-age fiction.
So join Sarah and Lauren as they tumble through excitement, betrayal, and self-discovery in a world where finding yourself often means leaning on each other.
86 pages, ebook
Published August 14, 2025
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Tania Weatherley
4 books10 followersTania is a Brisbane-based rom-com author with a love for crafting authentic stories that are sweet and deep with a dash of heat. When she’s not writing about characters finding love and discovering self-love, she’s a full-time mum to two energetic boys and a part-time marketer and content writer.
A lifelong fan of 90s/00s nostalgia, musicals, and stories that matter (in book, TV and movie form), Tania finds joy in exploring new places with her family, listening to audiobooks that make housework bearable, cozy gaming sessions, and the delightfully messy world of junk journaling and collage.
A lifelong fan of 90s/00s nostalgia, musicals, and stories that matter (in book, TV and movie form), Tania finds joy in exploring new places with her family, listening to audiobooks that make housework bearable, cozy gaming sessions, and the delightfully messy world of junk journaling and collage.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 6, 2025
Wow, this novella was nostalgia central! There were so many things that just took me straight back to late 90s Australia and some of my formative years.
This is a story of best friends on the verge of adulthood, struggling with their identities, families and desires to fit in. They are basically the OG Wednesday and Enid. Together they make the traditional end of high school pilgrimage to Schoolies (a week long festival of teen freedom) with high expectations, but they quickly discover the reality is not what they expected.
This debut novella introduces the characters for the sequel novel, Y2K Love, while immersing its readers in late 90s culture. There’s a strong emphasis on friendship and embracing the independence of adulthood.
If you grew up without internet on your mobile, thinking butterfly clips and inflatable furniture were amazing, and listening to the Spice Girls, this book is going to make you feel simultaneously old and young again. If you weren’t even born then, this story will show you a different type of teenage experience. It doesn’t matter which group you fall into, this book is a great little coming of age read and I definitely recommend it.
This is a story of best friends on the verge of adulthood, struggling with their identities, families and desires to fit in. They are basically the OG Wednesday and Enid. Together they make the traditional end of high school pilgrimage to Schoolies (a week long festival of teen freedom) with high expectations, but they quickly discover the reality is not what they expected.
This debut novella introduces the characters for the sequel novel, Y2K Love, while immersing its readers in late 90s culture. There’s a strong emphasis on friendship and embracing the independence of adulthood.
If you grew up without internet on your mobile, thinking butterfly clips and inflatable furniture were amazing, and listening to the Spice Girls, this book is going to make you feel simultaneously old and young again. If you weren’t even born then, this story will show you a different type of teenage experience. It doesn’t matter which group you fall into, this book is a great little coming of age read and I definitely recommend it.
August 7, 2025
I’m someone who was born shortly after 99’ but this novella made me feel like I had experienced it first hand!
I feel like this would be AMAZING to read as a 17/18 year old on the brink of freedom and adulthood, whether they are planning to attend Schoolies (a week long trip to celebrate finishing school) or just to be aware of some of the changes that can happen during that transitional time
I wasn’t expecting this to delve into some of the topics it did, but I am glad they were mentioned! Yes it’s a happy story, but all stories can’t be too happy and fake to the point of unrealistic
This was the opposite, to me- it felt 100% realistic and authentic
Definitely recommend- and as an extra plus, it’s only a short read! 🩷
I feel like this would be AMAZING to read as a 17/18 year old on the brink of freedom and adulthood, whether they are planning to attend Schoolies (a week long trip to celebrate finishing school) or just to be aware of some of the changes that can happen during that transitional time
I wasn’t expecting this to delve into some of the topics it did, but I am glad they were mentioned! Yes it’s a happy story, but all stories can’t be too happy and fake to the point of unrealistic
This was the opposite, to me- it felt 100% realistic and authentic
Definitely recommend- and as an extra plus, it’s only a short read! 🩷
August 8, 2025
Schoolies '99 takes you on a nostalgic journey of newfound freedom, parties, and self-discovery as Lauren and Sarah step into adulthood. The playlist perfectly complements the vibe of the story, and the characters feel incredibly authentic.
As they explore their identities and the evolving dynamics of their friendship, this book brought me back to the feeling of supporting each other through thick and thin, just like the 'girl code.'
I also noticed what seemed like some neurodivergent representation in the characters, which I really appreciated. As Lauren and Sarah’s personalities unfold, their experiences felt both unique and relatable.
I'm excited to see what Tania Weatherley will share with us next!
As they explore their identities and the evolving dynamics of their friendship, this book brought me back to the feeling of supporting each other through thick and thin, just like the 'girl code.'
I also noticed what seemed like some neurodivergent representation in the characters, which I really appreciated. As Lauren and Sarah’s personalities unfold, their experiences felt both unique and relatable.
I'm excited to see what Tania Weatherley will share with us next!
September 20, 2025
What a delightful dose of Aussie Nostalgia!
Paired with a playlist full of vibes and all the cultural references of the 90's, this book hit me right in the feels.
I never went to Schoolies, but this book really captured the essence of the experience. The fact that one of the characters was named Lauren (my name), and shared a lot of features and traits as me, was an extra-special treat.
A fast-paced, enjoyable novella that can be read in an afternoon. I'm eager to tuck into the next installment - Y2K Love.
Paired with a playlist full of vibes and all the cultural references of the 90's, this book hit me right in the feels.
I never went to Schoolies, but this book really captured the essence of the experience. The fact that one of the characters was named Lauren (my name), and shared a lot of features and traits as me, was an extra-special treat.
A fast-paced, enjoyable novella that can be read in an afternoon. I'm eager to tuck into the next installment - Y2K Love.
August 6, 2025
A great blast from the past, with all the nostalgia and drama of being a teenage girl, it will definitely take you back ! A fun quick read 😊
October 19, 2025
I absolutely loved how it was based around the 90s. I loved how it was close to home being a Brisbane Girl myself absolutely 10 out of 10 and love the playlist.
September 19, 2025
Schoolies '99 - Tania Weatherley
I can relate to Lauren so much in this story with anxiety and the protective streak she has in regard to Sarah. I’ve very much been described as the mom friend in my friend groups before. I always adore reading books or series with strong friendship, because those bonds are so important. These characters are just very relatable. The story is very well written and I love the writing style. I’m very intrigued on how the rest of this series is going to go.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🫑 / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 94 pages
Release Date 🌟 08/05/2025
Format 💫 Kindle Unlimited
Series 🌙 The Y2K Love, #0.5
Genre/Tropes ✨ friendships, young adult fiction, high school romance, contemporary romance
Favorite Character ☀️ Lauren 🖤
Favorite Line 🌟 “But if anyone suggests I get into that shark infested water, I’m going back to bed.”
“Sure you weren’t, and I’m not sitting here chugging Powerade because social situations make me nervous.”
I can relate to Lauren so much in this story with anxiety and the protective streak she has in regard to Sarah. I’ve very much been described as the mom friend in my friend groups before. I always adore reading books or series with strong friendship, because those bonds are so important. These characters are just very relatable. The story is very well written and I love the writing style. I’m very intrigued on how the rest of this series is going to go.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🫑 / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 94 pages
Release Date 🌟 08/05/2025
Format 💫 Kindle Unlimited
Series 🌙 The Y2K Love, #0.5
Genre/Tropes ✨ friendships, young adult fiction, high school romance, contemporary romance
Favorite Character ☀️ Lauren 🖤
Favorite Line 🌟 “But if anyone suggests I get into that shark infested water, I’m going back to bed.”
“Sure you weren’t, and I’m not sitting here chugging Powerade because social situations make me nervous.”
August 12, 2025
I read Schoolies ‘99 in one sitting — eight chapters that carried me straight back to late-90s youth, friendship, and the messy thrill of becoming an adult. I got my copy through BookFunnel because I’m subscribed to Tania on Substack (good thing!), and I’m so glad I did.
From the first page, the friendship between Lauren and Sarah felt real, layered, and magnetic. I “shipped” them from the start — not necessarily romantically, but because their bond was so strong, even in the face of tension and fights. Tania perfectly captures the beauty and the pain of having a best friend who shapes your world.
Lauren immediately stood out to me. She’s been neglected and abandoned by her mother, carrying trauma that’s shaped her into someone sharp, guarded, and quietly protective. She’s emo, in my mind — wrapped in black and purple, radiating that cool, mysterious energy. I could see her as a guardian angel, a fighter, maybe even a vigilante. She’s calculated, observant, always reading the room because survival taught her to. I related to her deeply — the anxiety around people, the complicated feelings about family. I honestly wish I had known someone like her in my own life. She’s the kind of character who deserves her own spin-off series.
Sarah is her opposite in so many ways — bubbly, hopeful, sheltered. Raised Catholic like me, she’s just turned eighteen, stepping out into the world with all its temptations. There’s something almost fairy-tale about her; I kept picturing her as Sleeping Beauty (Aurora) waking up to real life. Her arc — from sheltered schoolgirl to someone discovering desire, danger, and independence — was captivating.
That’s especially true in the party scenes. Experiencing those moments with Sarah, especially her interactions with Jake, was exciting at first — the thrill of attention, the dizzy rush of being noticed — but Tania doesn’t shy away from showing the darker truth. I won’t spoil what happens, but Lauren knew all along, and when it unfolds, it hits hard. It’s realistic, unsettling, and powerful. I could see this happening, and I felt it — like I was there, like I’d lived it. I felt like Lauren saved me from something similar, but I was much younger than Sarah (in my real-life experience of this), and there was no Lauren. The moment had me crying. What Lauren did for Sarah there was the act of a true friend — the kind of friend I wish I’d had. For me, Lauren is a hero. I can see her crossing into full dark romance territory: a vigilante, a justice-seeker, a witch, a lover who brings both danger and safety. I’m honestly fangirling over her.
Afterward, Sarah is left trying to navigate boys, older guys, desire, and self-worth in a new, raw way. Lauren wants her to slow down, to protect herself, to see through the glitter. And with the year 2000 on the horizon — the story ends right before it — the tension between them is laced with both hope and warning.
The 90s setting is alive on every page. Tania weaves in alternative music references that made me pause and look up songs, then listen to them as I read. It added a whole extra layer of atmosphere. I even had to Google a few words, which I loved — it’s rare for a book to make me feel both nostalgic and smarter at the same time.
Sarah’s family dynamic — protective, involved, sometimes suffocating — was also compelling. She doesn’t appreciate it, but in contrast to Lauren’s neglectful mother, it’s a bittersweet reminder of how different upbringings shape who we are. I saw myself in Lauren’s longing for something more stable, and I think that’s why her protectiveness over Sarah hit so hard. Their precious is more precious than diamonds, but not more precious than butterfly hairclips. Okay.
For me, Sarah is a rose — soft, open, still finding her strength. Lauren is an amethyst crystal — tough, beautiful, and formed under pressure. Together, they create something rare. Tania captures teenage chaos and intimacy so well that you feel like you’re there: singing along to the music, laughing at the jokes, watching the sun rise after a night you’ll never forget.
This book is more than nostalgia. It’s healing. It gives you back a piece of yourself you didn’t know you’d lost. It’s for every young girl navigating desire and independence, and for every older woman who remembers that time and can meet her younger self in the middle. It’s about friendship, validation, hunger for life, and the messy, beautiful process of growing into yourself.
By the end, I was left with the sense that Schoolies ‘99 is just the beginning — that Lauren and Sarah’s stories stretch far beyond these eight chapters. I’m already looking forward to Y2K Love and Y2K Betrayal, and to what Tania writes next. I have a feeling her future projects will be bigger, bolder, and exactly what we need. She honed the genre!
If you love stories about intense, complicated friendships, coming of age in all its mess and magic, and the nostalgic pull of the 90s, this book will grab you. For me, it was a reminder of the way a few days can change who you are forever. You will heal with this story. This is a must-read!!! You won't believe what this book will do to you.
From the first page, the friendship between Lauren and Sarah felt real, layered, and magnetic. I “shipped” them from the start — not necessarily romantically, but because their bond was so strong, even in the face of tension and fights. Tania perfectly captures the beauty and the pain of having a best friend who shapes your world.
Lauren immediately stood out to me. She’s been neglected and abandoned by her mother, carrying trauma that’s shaped her into someone sharp, guarded, and quietly protective. She’s emo, in my mind — wrapped in black and purple, radiating that cool, mysterious energy. I could see her as a guardian angel, a fighter, maybe even a vigilante. She’s calculated, observant, always reading the room because survival taught her to. I related to her deeply — the anxiety around people, the complicated feelings about family. I honestly wish I had known someone like her in my own life. She’s the kind of character who deserves her own spin-off series.
Sarah is her opposite in so many ways — bubbly, hopeful, sheltered. Raised Catholic like me, she’s just turned eighteen, stepping out into the world with all its temptations. There’s something almost fairy-tale about her; I kept picturing her as Sleeping Beauty (Aurora) waking up to real life. Her arc — from sheltered schoolgirl to someone discovering desire, danger, and independence — was captivating.
That’s especially true in the party scenes. Experiencing those moments with Sarah, especially her interactions with Jake, was exciting at first — the thrill of attention, the dizzy rush of being noticed — but Tania doesn’t shy away from showing the darker truth. I won’t spoil what happens, but Lauren knew all along, and when it unfolds, it hits hard. It’s realistic, unsettling, and powerful. I could see this happening, and I felt it — like I was there, like I’d lived it. I felt like Lauren saved me from something similar, but I was much younger than Sarah (in my real-life experience of this), and there was no Lauren. The moment had me crying. What Lauren did for Sarah there was the act of a true friend — the kind of friend I wish I’d had. For me, Lauren is a hero. I can see her crossing into full dark romance territory: a vigilante, a justice-seeker, a witch, a lover who brings both danger and safety. I’m honestly fangirling over her.
Afterward, Sarah is left trying to navigate boys, older guys, desire, and self-worth in a new, raw way. Lauren wants her to slow down, to protect herself, to see through the glitter. And with the year 2000 on the horizon — the story ends right before it — the tension between them is laced with both hope and warning.
The 90s setting is alive on every page. Tania weaves in alternative music references that made me pause and look up songs, then listen to them as I read. It added a whole extra layer of atmosphere. I even had to Google a few words, which I loved — it’s rare for a book to make me feel both nostalgic and smarter at the same time.
Sarah’s family dynamic — protective, involved, sometimes suffocating — was also compelling. She doesn’t appreciate it, but in contrast to Lauren’s neglectful mother, it’s a bittersweet reminder of how different upbringings shape who we are. I saw myself in Lauren’s longing for something more stable, and I think that’s why her protectiveness over Sarah hit so hard. Their precious is more precious than diamonds, but not more precious than butterfly hairclips. Okay.
For me, Sarah is a rose — soft, open, still finding her strength. Lauren is an amethyst crystal — tough, beautiful, and formed under pressure. Together, they create something rare. Tania captures teenage chaos and intimacy so well that you feel like you’re there: singing along to the music, laughing at the jokes, watching the sun rise after a night you’ll never forget.
This book is more than nostalgia. It’s healing. It gives you back a piece of yourself you didn’t know you’d lost. It’s for every young girl navigating desire and independence, and for every older woman who remembers that time and can meet her younger self in the middle. It’s about friendship, validation, hunger for life, and the messy, beautiful process of growing into yourself.
By the end, I was left with the sense that Schoolies ‘99 is just the beginning — that Lauren and Sarah’s stories stretch far beyond these eight chapters. I’m already looking forward to Y2K Love and Y2K Betrayal, and to what Tania writes next. I have a feeling her future projects will be bigger, bolder, and exactly what we need. She honed the genre!
If you love stories about intense, complicated friendships, coming of age in all its mess and magic, and the nostalgic pull of the 90s, this book will grab you. For me, it was a reminder of the way a few days can change who you are forever. You will heal with this story. This is a must-read!!! You won't believe what this book will do to you.
August 7, 2025
Schoolies ‘99 is a wild blast from the past. Packed full of nostalgia, the song references and fashion transported me back in time that I felt like I was right in the middle of the story. It follows two friends and their first opportunities for independence as they venture to the coast for post graduation celebrations, or ‘Schoolies’ as we know it in Aus. Both FMC’s were super relatable and the story brought memories flooding back of my own 18 year old self and best friend seeking those first stages of independence.
Although the novella is a prequel to Tania’s Y2K Love and sets up the story perfectly leading into the next chapter of Sarah and Lauren's new found independence, she ties this book off neatly so that it could be read as a standalone if you wanted.
If butterfly clips and body glitter brings you back memories of a time that seems so far away from where we are now, this story will have flashbacks of the year ‘99 flooding back to you within moments. Such a sweet short story, I enjoyed every moment, and can’t wait to read Y2K Love.
Although the novella is a prequel to Tania’s Y2K Love and sets up the story perfectly leading into the next chapter of Sarah and Lauren's new found independence, she ties this book off neatly so that it could be read as a standalone if you wanted.
If butterfly clips and body glitter brings you back memories of a time that seems so far away from where we are now, this story will have flashbacks of the year ‘99 flooding back to you within moments. Such a sweet short story, I enjoyed every moment, and can’t wait to read Y2K Love.
October 18, 2025
In 1999 I was 15 but butterfly clips and body glitter were my happy place.
The soundtrack to this book brought my heart so much joy, it was amazing reading a book from my own backyard - the descriptions of Surfers made me smile, I could picture it perfectly.
I really enjoyed the character development of Sarah and Lauren, I felt pieces of myself in both girls - the good daughter who is mostly invisible to the world and the neglected child that has panic attacks and expects rejection at every corner.
I’m really excited to see where life takes them. This was a really great first book and truly Aussie experience!
The soundtrack to this book brought my heart so much joy, it was amazing reading a book from my own backyard - the descriptions of Surfers made me smile, I could picture it perfectly.
I really enjoyed the character development of Sarah and Lauren, I felt pieces of myself in both girls - the good daughter who is mostly invisible to the world and the neglected child that has panic attacks and expects rejection at every corner.
I’m really excited to see where life takes them. This was a really great first book and truly Aussie experience!
January 19, 2026
While I wasn’t quite a teen preparing for Y2K in ‘99, I definitely still appreciated the throwback elements throughout the story, music, fashion, general culture. Sarah’s insta love vibes got on my nerves a bit, but understandable considering her journey up until that point. I wish Lauren could’ve been more open about her struggles sooner, but it’s easier said than done. I loved her protective friend energy though.
Content info: the intro does a great job warning of a few things throughout the story such as mild substance abuse, teens getting themselves into potentially dangerous situations.
Content info: the intro does a great job warning of a few things throughout the story such as mild substance abuse, teens getting themselves into potentially dangerous situations.
August 27, 2025
A really fun nostalgia trip. My first time reading a novella and it does not disappoint. If you want to read my full review, check out my substack at https://jdlear.substack.com/p/book-re...
TL;DR: I loved it and highly recommend it!
TL;DR: I loved it and highly recommend it!
January 6, 2026
Oh my! Wasn’t this just throw back after throw back. I wasn’t 18 in ‘99, actually I was in Primary School but the nostalgia, the ‘aussieness’ just had me. This was a quick read where we got to meet Sarah and Lauren. After Sarah was able to convince her parents to let her go to schoolies (3 nights only) we watch Sarah and Lauren navigate life as newly 18 year olds and for the first time, Sarah has no parents looking over her shoulder, she is finally making her own decisions… at schoolies… will she regret them after her 3 nights? I love how these three nights bought them closer together. The girls then move in together to get ready for their first year of uni. I died at the mention of the pink inflatable chair, I think everyone wanted one of these or had one. The song references down to the vodka cruiser and butterfly clips. I can’t wait to get my hands on Y2K Love.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews