Y2K Love

Y2K Love #1

by Tania Weatherley

Love the nostalgia of the late 90s and early 00s? Think every great story deserves a soundtrack? Then you’ll devour Y2K Love, a coming-of-age Aussie rom-com that takes you back to the year 2000, where friendship, love, and music collide.

Sarah sees university as her chance to reinvent herself, dive headfirst into romance, and embrace the excitement of newfound independence. Meanwhile, the rebellious and ever-sarcastic Lauren is sceptical about the changes ahead, unsure whether they will define her, or unravel who she thought she was. But as the millennium unfolds, their friendship is tested in ways they never expected—through heartbreak, ambition, and the unrelenting pull of self-discovery.

With a perfect blend of humour, heart, and betrayal, paired with a soundtrack full of Australian songs that capture the spirit of the times, Y2K Love explores the highs and lows of growing up and finding where you truly belong. Brimming with relatable characters, sizzling romantic tension, and nostalgic vibes, this irresistible story is sure to resonate with fans of contemporary NA fiction.

So join Sarah and Lauren as they tumble through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery in a world where every moment comes with the perfect song.

Here's all the good stuff you'll find in this Soundtrack-fuelled narrativeNew Millennium NostalgiaLove TriangleFriends to LoversOpposites Attract FriendshipFound FamilyComing-of-Age JourneyAuthentically AustralianSweet & Deep with a Dash of SpiceUniversity SettingThird Person Multi-POVFirst book in an interconnected standalone series
Don’t miss this outstanding debut from an Australian romance A Y2K and ’90s nostalgia-packed romance novel featuring a funny, emotional love story and a music-filled romcom vibe.

So if you loved romance novels like Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter and I Love You, I Love You, I Love You by Laura Dockrill but are longing for a rom-com with Aussie uni vibes, Y2K Love might just be your next obsession.

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2025

About the author

Tania 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.

Reviews

[Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y2K Love was not only a fun read, but also an inspiring one. It's more than a cute romance set in Australia in 2000; it touches on friendship, mental health, and the often messy transition into adulthood.

I appreciated Tania's style and how she allowed us to see each character's point of view. The dynamics between the characters were a highlight: the bond with Lauren and Sarah who are like sisters supporting each other in times of hardship. And the cute young love full of tenderness that will leave readers smiling. Sarah's naiveté was relatable, and it had me thinking: "What is she going to do next?!"

What resonated a little less with me was the final part of the story. After the misunderstanding trope, the characters’ arcs started to feel a bit more predictable. I found David’s character growth interesting and would’ve loved to see more of his development in the resolution. Still, the overall experience was heartwarming, and I truly enjoyed spending time with these endearing characters.

Thank you Tania for this great opportunity to be an ARC reader for this lovely book :)

[Rebecca Lonsdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young love and music from the late 90s how could you not enjoy this romance novel! This is an Australian book based in Brisbane. Well done Tania! Can’t wait to read more from you.

[Dacey Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review


As a 90’s baby, this book felt like a warm hug from my past. Think inflatable plastic couches, butterfly hair clips, cassette tapes, dial-up internet, and the most iconic three words of the decade . No not "I love you" but “You’ve got mail.”

Who doesn't love a great Australian accent!?! Well I could totally hear the accent in my head and the added Aussie slang totally helped. Not familiar with the lingo? No worries because Tania added a glossary in the beginning of the Aussie slang!

This story reads like a movie. I could easily imagine us jumping between characters, catching glimpses of their lives as they slowly, messily intertwine. The structure is jumpy in the best way. You don’t get everything, but I didn’t mind. I something wish we could see more, but it mainly felt like seeing glimpses of a friend's life.

There was one part of the book that involves flowers and I straight up laughed out loud.

Now listen, as someone in their 30s, I wanted to roll my eyes at the instant love... but then I remembered being fresh out of high school thinking every guy I dated was “the one.” 😂 So I adjusted my mindset and let it be what it was meant to be. It was nice to go back to a time where every guy dated felt like they could be the one.

What I really enjoyed was the multiple POVs. It’s not just dual but we’re bouncing through the minds of different characters, which added layers and depth. Some of the side characters who had POVs early on disappeared, and I would’ve loved to see how their stories played out, especially when we see those characters later and hear some updates. I wish we saw their development.

Oh, and David? Reminded me of an ex. Can’t believe I wasted 4 years on that POS. 🙃 I think we all had a David!

To be honest, Sarah was so frustrating, but she was also a painfully accurate mirror of how naive I was back then. Not just naive but overthinking everything. Youth, right?

This book really felt like a blast from the past. It reminded me so much of my own dating life. it was nostalgic, chaotic, and heart-tugging in the best ways! I devoured this one.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 heaping tablespoons of nostalgia

Meet Sarah and Lauren, best friends who are stepping out on their own after graduating from high school. Their story starts at a wild NYE party where Sarah meets the devilishly handsome David. Lauren is immediately skeptical of David and his intentions for her friend, but Sarah has blinders on when it comes to the bad boy. What follows is a snapshot into the girl’s lives throughout their first year at University, with a particular focus on Sarah.
First loves. New friends. True identities. All splashed with a backing track of early aughts bangers and an abundance of references to some of the whackiest inventions of our era. Plastic furniture anyone?!?!

This was a trip down memory lane if I ever took one! The prologue throws the reader right back into 1999/2000 where “pants were so baggy they could smuggle and entire rugby team in each leg” and “if we had a mobile phone, it was most likely an indestructible Nokia 3310.” I was laughing within the first four lines!

What I really enjoyed about this story is that Tania writes all her characters with varying motivations and drives. She doesn’t irrevocably destroy a reprehensibly handsome devil, allowing for character growth and forgiveness. *I actually wanted to the know the most about David and Monique and was happy to read at the conclusion of the novella that they will be the focal point of the sequel!*

What I struggled a little bit with initially was the impulsive natures of Michael and Sarah (on several occasions needed to remind myself of what it was to be 18 years old). Although part of their actions and the actions of the other characters occurred in rapid succession early on due to the fact it is a novella and the author had less pages to work with.
As the story continued I was deeply invested in both these characters and where their stories were going. Michael is like a lovable golden retriever. I just want to go into the book and give him a big squishy hug.

Thanks Tania for the opportunity to read your debut novella as an ARC!

[Kelsbookreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you were growing up as Y2K fever hit the nation, then this is the book for you. Tania's debut, Y2K Love encapsulates exactly what it was like growing up in the late 90s early 2000s in Australia.

I couldn't tell you how many moments I had while reading that I face palmed, chuckled, sighed and cringed at the antics, pop culture references and of course fashion that era gave us.

The absolute chokehold 'Illusions' by Impulse and 'Africa' by Lynx had on that generation can not be rivalled.

But this book is so much more than a trip down memory lane for millennials. It follows two girls straight from high school, navigating their first year of uni, shedding their younger selves and becoming the women they are going to grow into. Falling in and out of love easily, suffering heartbreak, not fitting in and struggling in your own skin are just some of the topics our main characters Sarah and Lauren face - all while wearing sequinned one-shoulder tops and bell bottom jeans and wedges (with butterfly clips in their hair and a vodka cruiser in hand of course.)

But what makes this story stand out is the use of music from that era, interspersed within the chapters as major life events happen. Some songs I had forgotten, others still on rotation - but I have been listening to the Spotify playlist all day and loving it.

If you enjoy:

- nostalgia
- coming of age
- heart break and love
- friends to lovers
- no spice
- Australian
- found family
- growing up in the 90s/2000s
- multiple POV

Then fall into Sarah and Lauren's story and relive or experience for the first time an Aussie era that can never be repeated. I read this one prior to the official release date.

[Sarah McShannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like stepping straight back into the year 2000 – low-rise jeans, dial-up internet, iconic Aussie tracks, and the thrill of starting uni life with your best mate by your side. As someone who remembers the Y2K era well, this story was such a joy to read. Tania Weatherley perfectly captures the vibe of the time with clever pop culture references and settings that feel uniquely Australian.

I loved the dynamic between Sarah and Lauren – the friendship, the tensions, the ride-or-die loyalty.

Total bad-boy energy with just enough depth to keep you curious. The way the author wove in the songs of the era added a fun and emotional layer – I definitely caught myself humming along and reminiscing.

While there were a couple of moments where the pacing dipped a little, especially around the halfway mark, the charm and nostalgia kept me turning the pages. It’s a light, sweet read with a few deeper threads about identity, first love, and growing up.

If you’re after a feel-good Aussie romance that’ll make you laugh, sing, and maybe even cringe at a few old fashion choices, this one’s for you.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Australia in the year 2000. We officially survived the Y2K bug, now it’s time to take on a new millennium.

Set to officially the best soundtrack ever, this is a story of freedom, young adulthood and love in the earliest moments of the 21st century.

If the song list doesn’t get you, the casual name dropping of brands like Impulse, Lip Smackers, Video Ezy and Telecom will do it. The early days of texting, blogs and dial up internet will help too. If not, there’s Daria and the Sydney Olympics.

Mixed in with all of this are the challenges and drama of finding yourself, finding love, deciphering university and career choices, and maintaining friendships.

The book deals with some heavier topics such as self harm, bipolar disorder and cheating. There is one open door scene that is not at all descriptive.

All up, this was a wonderful read. Truthfully, my inner young adult feels even more acceptance reading this story, knowing that my experience growing up was not unusual. I recommend this for any contemporary romance reader, but particularly for those with an interest in early 2000s.

[Kalani · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ✨

This book was a cute enjoyable novella. Growing up in Brisbane it was cool hearing the familiar places as I’ve also walked through the uni quite a bit! The 2000’s references took me back like opening the refidex for my nana in the back seat.

The use of the songs was a cool aspect and embedding it into the story was a fun touch.

Overall was an enjoyable read, I felt some parts lacked when I got to about 50% the story kind of dragged. The ending was foreseeable which made me feel like I’d already finished it by halfway. But nonetheless a really cool fun quirky read that had so many familiar references in it that made me love it more!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how songs were embedded into the story, so whenever I was reading the book on my laptop, I played the songs in the background to get myself immersed within the universe. Friendship, love and coming of age is wrapped around in this book written by the talented Tania Weatherly. Being in a universe with the sparkly butterfly hair clips, cargo pants, 2$ drink nights while reading from the POV of Sarah and Lauren was a treat. Make sure to give it a read!!!

[Kate Beattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y2K Love totally delivered on its promises of nostalgia, memories, and all the best 90s pop hits! Every reference made me smile, especially "Poison" by Bardot, what a cracking song that was.
It was a fun, fresh, and fast-paced read. Tania really nailed it – she absolutely achieved what she set out to do. Well done!

[Lyndsey Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is cute and nostalgic! I love the integration of the music without the whole book.

It’s a queezy romcom with all the epic quick love feels.

It has multiple povs from 5 different people and jumps between them throughout the book. You get to see moments from different perspectives.

Very much a coming of age/ self discovery for each person.

It’s a cute story.

[M.J Fawcett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The epitome of a cute little 2000’s Rom Com Musical!!
A fun read of going through the trials and tribulations of young adulthood, just out of high school, and figuring out who you are and what you want your life to be.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun multi-pov read. The nostalgia always brought a smile to my face. Especially the fashion choices oh gosh 🤭. I would recommend this for romance readers who miss that time of life and just want to reminisce.

[Roxanne Baranoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely enjoyed it I loved how it carried on from schoolies 99 100% recommend reading

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a super fun read. It really did capture that late 90’s Y2K vibe perfectly and it was almost like I was back there again. Don’t know I can survive all my terrible choices all over again. I look forward reading this authors work in the future!

[Winnie Seuala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly thank you Tanya for the wonderful opportunity to be an ARC reader for this amazing book.

As soon as I saw the blurb I knew it was a book I wanted to get my hands on. I’m a 90s kid at heart so having the story set in the 2000s was a beautiful nostalgic experience. I loved the intertwined loves stories and the pov of all characters.

Sarah’s your hopeless romantic who is an all or nothing kind of girlie when it comes to relationships. Then you have Lauren - the kind of girl who hates showing emotion but deep down it stems from her just wanting to be seen and understood.

As a local Brisbane Aus girl I looooved the reference to well known places and thought the idea of having 2000s hit songs embedded in the story was a great idea.

Overall it was an easy, comforting and nostalgic read 🫶🏽

[Jaz 🌻 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started & finished Y2K Love in just 1 day: it’s a fun, nostalgic, and heartwarming read that completely transported me back to the early 2000s.

What I loved most were the spot-on references to the trends I feel some of us want to forget: body glitter, butterfly clips, and those iconic low-rise jeans paired with thick belts: it was like flipping through an old Supre catalogue. The setting added an extra layer of charm for me, being based in Brisbane where I grew up. It was a treat seeing familiar places like Mt Coot-Tha and the Victory Tavern pop up throughout the story.

One scene in particular stood out: a character’s emotional moment described as hitting them like a tackle from Shane Webcke… As a lifelong (and diehard) Broncos Fan, this made me smile.

The story is told from multiple POV, which I enjoyed because I thought it gave the narrative more depth and made each character feel well-rounded. Another standout detail was the mention of those hilariously cringe-worthy email addresses we all had as teens (mine was something like lollipopz_are-yummy at hotmail dot com, not exactly something I’d want to add to my resume!)

I also appreciated the Spotify playlist songs woven into the story. It added an extra sensory layer, though I wasn’t quite sure how to interact with it as this was my first book experience with a specifically created playlist… Should I hit “play” when a song is mentioned, or do I have the whole playlist on loop in the background?

While I found the storyline engaging and emotionally satisfying, the ending was a little predictable (with one or two small unexpected things). Still, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the journey.

I’d recommend Y2K Love to any other Elder Millennial — especially if you can read it through the lens of your 18–20-year-old self. It’s a fun throwback packed with humour, heart, and just the right amount of glitter.

Thanks to Tania for allowing me to read this as an ARC!

[Llianne Olivo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you just have to sit and read a book that will remind you of a time you lost long ago. 25 years ago for me. And this book is pink and glittery. I wish I had been this glittery when I lived in New York in the 2000s. Wild and free, taking the bus and the train everywhere. I felt bullet-proof. Today I'm not even an ounce of that Llianne.

But my besties are. I’ve been following Lauren and Sarah’s story since Schoolies ’99, and reading Y2K Love felt like seeing old friends again; till breaking and healing in the ways only time can teach. This book isn’t just nostalgic; it’s emotional archaeology. It digs up who we were at eighteen, the chaos and tenderness of friendship, the mistakes we make thinking they’re the end of the world, and the music that carried us through. Tania Weatherley doesn’t write characters; she writes people. Sarah’s softness, Lauren’s guarded strength, they feel like reflections of who we once were and who we’re still trying to be. The early 2000s details; the MSN pings, the Impulse sprays, the songs we played until the CD skipped; made me ache in the best way. I love that Tania doesn’t sugarcoat anything. She gives us friendship, heartbreak, self-discovery, and the quiet weight of growing up. The multiple POVs make it feel like a film you can live inside, and that last chapter left me sitting in silence for a minute, remembering my own early twenties. If Schoolies ’99 cracked something open, Y2K Love poured light into it. I can’t wait for Y2K Betrayal. Tania Weatherley’s world feels real, like she didn’t just write these girls, she found them.

This is a must read.

[Rhiannon Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y2K Love - Tania Weatherley

I love this authors writing and their style. I love that music is such a big part of this series and how it’s showed in the story encourages the reader to listen to the songs as well. I think it’s so immersive and it increases the reading experience. There is an open door spice scene between Sarah and Michael, but it’s very fade to black and not very explicitly detailed. The romance between Sarah and Michael and the romance between Lauren and Robert. Are both very sweet and spice isn’t the primary focus of the book which I really enjoyed. I am very excited to see how the book with David and Monique will go, especially because of how he felt about Monique in the beginning of the book and their relationship in the end. Overall, this author has a very nostalgic type of series that I could see myself rereading over and over again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

🫑/ Spice Rating ☀️

# of Pages 🌙 203 pages

Release Date 🌟 8/14/2025

Format 💫 Kindle Unlimited

Series 🌙 The Y2K Love, #1

Genre/Tropes ✨ friendships, young adult fiction, college romance, contemporary romance, healing and growing

Favorite Character ☀️ Lauren

Favorite Line 🌟 “I thought if I could crack the code of what’s going on in other people’s heads, maybe I’d finally figure myself out too. Kinda lame, right?”

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y2K Love is such a brilliant, nostalgic read!

The story follows Sarah and Lauren as they navigate life in the new millennium, filled with friendship, romance, love, heartbreak, and a perfectly matched soundtrack that brings each moment to life.

Reading it brought back so many memories, from feeling those first butterflies of connection, to exploring the treasures of the early internet, exchanging emails, and learning how to text on our first mobile phones (with my BFF patiently guiding me through it).

I sensed a thread of neurodivergent representation early on, and I was glad to see it emerge in a way that felt authentic and positive, while still acknowledging the very real challenges we can face.

There were moments of laughter, moments that made me teary, and all the heartfelt beats you’d expect in a great Rom-Com. The ending had me on the edge of my seat but still left me satisfied. Sarah and Lauren’s personalities and journeys felt so genuine that it was easy to forget they were fictional, it truly felt like I was reading about real people.

Thank you, Tania Weatherley, for crafting such a fantastic and heartfelt story.

I received an ARC of this book, and my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. This review is shared voluntarily.

[Kelly Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an Aussie who was living her best university life in 2000… this book was so fun and super nostalgic to read! The author takes you on the biggest trip down memory lane and reminds you of all the joys that living in this time gave you (and some challenges too – hello dialup my old friend and making yourself a cuppa while the computer boots up).

Just like Bluey brought Australia to the world, this book does the same for the Romance genre. Are you tired of reading romances that are set in America? Do you long to see Australian culture represented or simply want to see what life was like for Aussies in the year 2000? This book will transport you there. Additionally, some of the best Aussie songs of the time are cleverly woven into the story and I found myself singing and looking up these old songs and reminiscing over them as I read through the book.

If you’re looking for an Aussie romance with young love, found family, friends-to-lovers vibe and keen to have a trip down memory lane, you’ll love this book!

Thank you so much to the author Tania Weatherley for an ARC copy of your book. Congratulations on creating such a nostalgic debut novel!

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y2K Love is the ultimate time travel back into the year 2000. Following Sarah and Lauren, two besties who have just moved in together for their first year of university, I was immediately thrown back into the world of Nokia phones and Video Ezy.

The story is an adorable tale of first loves and heartbreak as the girls find their way through life and their newfound independence. MMCs Michael and Robert are both sweet and adorable, and I loved that this book had POV for all four main characters. With the most epic throwback playlist peppered throughout the story, the nostalgia had me reliving my childhood bopping to the same tunes that were constantly playing on my walkman.

This was a very easy, cute read, and definitely worth checking out if you are after a feel good happy ever after. I loved every moment, and can’t wait to read the next of Tania’s books.

[J.D. Lear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y2K Love is a contemporary romance set in 2000 Australia, written by local author Tania Weatherley. As the sequel to my earlier reviewed Schoolies ‘99, I had high hopes going into this full-length novel and I was not disappointed. It was full of love and heartbreak and, while the twists and turns could be a little predictable at times, they were still enjoyable and comforting, full of turn of the millennium nostalgia.

I really enjoyed my time with Y2K Love. I do wish there had been more time spent with Lauren and Robert; Lauren has a really interesting subplot that I feel wasn’t explored to its fullest potential, but I get that she’s the side character in Sarah’s story.

For the full review, check out my post on Substack: https://jdlear.substack.com/p/book-re...

[Kymberlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌 - 3.5 ⭐️ 

A fun nostalgic novella! New love, beginnings, and friendship! 💕
Set in Brisbane Australia in the early 2000s 🇦🇺
It was so cool to actually relate so well to a book setting 🙌🏻
I enjoyed all the references and the multiple POVs!

The 90s music was such a fun touch to this book! I loved the appearances of them and hitting play on my Spotify to vibe with 🎶

Overall this was an enjoyable read, but personally I’m not that much of a fan of insta-love and miscommunication trope. It’s understandable for them to experience that though, it’s just not my vibe haha 🫶🏻

Thank you Tania for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review 🩷

𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒…

🫂Friends to lovers
🇦🇺Brisbane and University setting
💄Y2K vibes
💕Coming of age journey

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella set in Y2k Australia. I remember the Y2k end of the world scare well and appreciated the nostalgia woven into the story; body glitter, aliens, the inflatable plastic couch reminded me of the glitter pleather jacket I wore in the late 90s, clubbing and the very fast-paced relationships with the I-Love-you said too soon. I related to both Sarah and Lauren and bits of the characters reminded me of people I knew, all the way down to David. Doesn't everyone know a David? It was a fun read and I look forward to adding this to my shelf when it releases on August 14th!

[Sarah L Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is based in Brisbane! In the year 2000.
And follows 4 young university students navigating life and love.
It starts with New Year’s Eve 2000, and memories immediately came crashing back with the Y2K,
Growing up and finishing high school myself around this time, it was like reliving my life.
I was so excited to read this novella and it did not disappoint. The mix of young love and music hits from the late 90’s early 2000 just rings true. A story i didn’t want to end

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya thank for the chance be an ARC reader for this wonderful book.

The story follows two friends as they navigate leaving home for the first time. Discovering themselves as they transition to adulthood.

It really did capture the late 90’s and Y2K vibe perfectly.

But what makes this story stand out is the use of music from that era. I love the effectiveness of the songs in relationship to the events of the book.

[Awesome_Ames · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, but it was too YA for me. It read like a teenage girls journal, and I just had a really hard time connecting with it.

Read it if you love:

🎶 YA writing

🎶 Musical references from the late 1990’s/2000’s

🎶 Insta-love

🎶 a trip down memory lane to Brisbane, Australia, 2000

[Hannah Collings · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a lovely little throwback novel. The 99’s/2000 references were so nostalgic and I loved the song references throughout!

It bounced between POV which I normally love but I found this one to be a little chaotic for my liking.

The story itself, I really enjoyed and it was a really nice read!

[Kim Harris]

DNF 24% on Kindle. I wanted to like this for the Y2K vibes. There just wasn’t enough of that to balance Sarah’s annoying insta love and the toxic relationships for me unfortunately.