Anxious Hearts

by Guy Sigley

Kelly O'Mara is relentless in her pursuit of excellence. In her late twenties, she's an outstanding junior doctor preparing to sit her specialist paediatric exams. She will sacrifice friendships, a social life and romance to be the best among her peers. But this self-imposed pressure means she's constantly on edge - an explosion waiting to happen.

Finn Walsh understands Kelly better than anyone. On the surface, he's a successful actor, but behind the television smile he's battling an overwhelming fear that every move he makes could lead to disaster. Anxious, self-loathing and plagued by a sense of impending doom, away from the camera Finn struggles to hold back the darkness of everyday life.

Kelly and Finn have been inseparable since childhood; two broken souls with a powerful bond. Through their shared struggles and quiet understanding, they've always been each other's safe place, source of healing and strength. Until now, when the oppressive weight of their own fears and expectations has begun to overwhelm them both. A rift opens in their relationship, gradually sending each of them into a toxic spiral.

How much will these flawed but fiercely loyal friends be willing to sacrifice to save each other ... and themselves?

Written with insight, compassion and humour, Anxious Hearts is a heart-filled exploration of love, mental health and the impossible standards we set for ourselves in an ever more demanding world.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

Guy Sigley was born to parents who were both in the entertainment industry.

Guy studied Law and Arts at Deakin University but soon found out that excessive study really got in the way of reading fiction. After eventually graduating with a double degree, Guy started writing after being inspired by his favourite authors.

As well as being a writer, Guy is a podcaster. He experimented with two seasons of the music and 90s-themed, The Guy Sigley Show, and is now in his fourth year of hosting The One-Eyed Dog podcast with his twin brother, Dave, and great mate, Smitty, all about the Western Bulldogs AFL club.

Guy has coached junior soccer and netball, having never played either game, was a committee member of the local soccer club, dabbles in goal umpiring, and enjoys an occasional stint on the boundary.

He lives in Melbourne with his wife, who is a doctor, three children and a ragdoll cat.

Reviews

[Clare Bateman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Better Reading Preview Copy Review:

This book highlights the impossible standards we set for ourselves in this demanding, fast-paced world.

Kelly is a driven junior doctor, and Finn a successful actor. Their once-solid friendship begins to fracture under the weight of pressure and expectation.

I found that this was a hard book to review because it pushed me outside my comfort zone, but sometimes that’s exactly what a good story should do.

The writing was strong, and once I started it, I needed to finish it.

That said, it wasn’t quite the right fit for me personally. The intensity of the anxiety, fear, self-destruction, and self-doubt portrayed by the characters was uncomfortable to sit with at times, and I found it overwhelming.

Where the book truly shines is in its portrayal of mental health struggles and the difficulty of finding balance in life, relationships, and work. Readers who appreciate raw, authentic depictions of these challenges, and don’t shy away from difficult emotions, will likely enjoy Anxious Hearts.

[Toni Umar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anxious Hearts by Guy Sigley
Despite the book cover indicating the book is a romance novel, be aware this is a serious book covering very complex topics. The two main characters are very nice people, Kelly a young Doctor, studying to become a Paediatrician and Finn, an aspiring and very popular actor. Kelly and Finn have been best mates since they were eleven years old. They share a common bond of living with severe anxiety and deal with this through their friendship calling each other warriors.
I really enjoyed the book; the author surprises the reader often with the way the story changes, and Kelly and Finn are very engaging characters. The anxiety experienced by both Kelly and Finn is very real, overwhelming and confronting, which is the emotion the author wanted the reader to experience. Kelly and Finn make decisions that totally surprised me, and the outcome of the decisions was difficult to read, even though not totally unexpected. I have an increased empathy with those who live with anxiety, and the subtle education about mental health is done brilliantly. Four stars for me (4/5). Thanks to Better Reading for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 ⭐️'s
Review to follow

[Emilie (emiliesbookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly is nearing her final exams to further her career in paediatrics.
Finn is on the cusp of landing that dream acting job that will propel him to stardom

Very different people, with different upbringings but somehow, they have been each others ‘person’ since they were 11

And they know each others deep truths, Kelly’s striving for excellence is leaving her one step away from exploding and Finn has buried his heartbreaking past and only Kelly can calm his anxiety.

Each other’s ultimate rock, until the day they both need the unwavering support.

Wow! What a emotional rollercoaster

Kelly and Finn are such real, honest, flawed and brilliant characters, they complement each other in wonderful way but also can do the complete opposite

I was cheering for both them, feeling all the feels and at times holding my breath hoping

Thank you so much to the author for my gifted copy.

[Suz · Rating 5 out of 5]

💛Anxious Hearts💛 @guysigley_author @echo_publishing

💙💜💛💚🧡🩷🩵🩶❤️💙💜💛💚🧡🩷🩵
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I asked to read this book (Echo I love your generosity!) because I wanted to read about mental ill health and experience an emotional read. I love stories about addiction and frailty, human connection and friendship and all the fraughtness, the mess and chaos these topics are sure to bring to the surface. It drew me in like I knew it would. I love that the main players are friends, and that each has a vulnerability that only the other will understand. From the outset I had the feeling the book would be perceived to others as a lighter read, and my hopes for a heavier yet rewarding read played out, I was a happy reader. Proper human angst, deep anxiety and real mental ill health was portrayed in a thoroughly enjoyable (as in I loved picking it up each time) way. I grew to know the characters, understood their reasonings and can validate the addiction experiences as I’ve seen it for myself. Desperation, the way it pulls you in, was offset by the desire of another to want to pull them out. I loved it, I empathised and was completely desirous for the best for them both. This unexpected gem is very well written, holding me close. I felt the drama and tension. Not all heavy and not all light, it was the perfect exploration of both.

💫

My belated posting comes with my complete apologies.. Life, work, family has collided lately, but I will always be a happy reader 🤓
As an added extra for me, as challenges hit, this is a great book to shed light on the struggles of others.

[Tara Nikelis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anxious Hearts is the story of Kelly O'Mara and Finn Walsh, best friends since school - both with issues. Kelly is a junior doctor studying to be a paediatrician about to take her exams. She always has to be the best at what she does. No-one could put more pressure on her than she does herself. She is always on edge and one step away from exploding. Finn is an actor on the cusp of making it to the big time. He understands stress as his mind never stops and it usually takes him to the worst case scenario. He is hard on himself and looking for the worst. They help each other when their worlds are tough and everyone else only sees the good parts, until they don't and this is when it all starts to unravel. They have a hard time getting through the day, let alone being there for each other. Their relationship is fractured and spirals until they have to decide what they will do to repair themselves and their relationship.
This is an interesting story of society and the pressure we put ourselves under. It only takes one moment or decision to change our paths. It can be hard to deviate our plans even if it is the best thing for us. This is a book to get you thinking about the difficult topics which it does well. A great book for anyone to explain or assist with hard issues of anxiety, depression, drug use and bad thoughts.

[Kathy Soltan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst I enjoyed this book, I finished it with the feeling of being ‘incomplete’.
Here we have two attractive and successful main characters, Kelly and Finn. Both are
incapable of controlling their behaviour sufficiently to enjoy their lives, except when they are
together.
Kelly has decided they can’t be together, denying their undercurrent of sexual chemistry.
instead, Kelly let’s anger rule her life. Finn is crippled by anxiety unless he is working as an
actor, where he can become someone else.
There is an awful lot of self-loathing by the two of them, even though to an outsider, they
have everything anyone could want.
When Kelly is offered the opportunity of a lifetime, she self-sabotages herself, almost costing
her the job of her dreams. When Finn tries to move on without Kelly, his low self esteem
leads him to drug addiction to cope due to his low self-esteem, damaging his high profile
irreparably in the process.
The solution, apparently, is for the two of them give in and get together, keep each other
grounded and start a family.
Although this was a tidy ending, I’m not certain that in the real world, that solution would
work long term.
So frustrating.

[Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Thank you Echo Publishing for this book in exchange for an honest review

The cover of Anxious Hearts may appear to be a romance novel but prepare yourself for a serious read, covering complex topics. We get introduced to Kelly and Finn, who have been best mates since they were younger, and they share a common bond of living with severe anxiety. These two characters are engaging and you can’t help but find yourself completely compassionate to their lives. Their experience with anxiety if overwhelming, confronting and you find yourself heartbroken for them, which I would say is what the author wants you to experience. Sigley has a way to keep you captivated with the story and not even realise that you are getting a subtle education to mental health, which I loved. As someone that has anxiety, I really resonated with this story, more than you would believe.
Overall, this had me feeling all the feels and I love the genuine characters and feeling as though I am almost living part of their lives.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anxious Hearts is an intriguing exploration of perfectionism, love, mental health and trauma bonding. At its core, through the perspectives of Finn and Kelly, it asks if there is room for love if debilitating anxiety or an all-consuming drive to succeed rule your life.

Kelly and Finn are childhood best friends with a powerful bond. Through their shared struggles, they’ve always been each other’s safe place. Now they’re in their late twenties and struggling with the oppressive weight of their own fears and expectations.

As the story unfolds a rift opens in their relationship, gradually sending each of them into a toxic spiral. At times it was actually hard to read, with the self sabotaging and reckless things they each did to try and cope.

While I enjoyed the pacing and storyline a lot, I felt the ending wrapped up a little quickly. There was a lot of on the page professional consequences for Kelly, but Finn’s were implied. I would have liked to see that fleshed out on the page more personally.

Overall though it was an enjoyable read.

Thank you to @echo_publishing for a copy to read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as an Better Reads ARC, this book was a hard to put down realistic portrayal of mental health struggles with anxiety but also at it's heart a romance. My BR review below:

Guy Sigley, as the author of Anxious Hearts feels to have direct insight into the power of anxiety on our mental health for good and for worse. This novel explores friendship, relationships, career development and the impact that personal mental health challenges can have upon both pushing us forward and pulling us apart.
The characters in this novel were well written and intriguing, making me want to read on and know more about how they are going to progress throughout the storyline. The settings and relationships portrayed were both realistic and reflective of the emotional turmoil within each of the main characters. They had me wanting them to figure out a way to be both happy and successful in their work, relationships and themselves.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very difficult to rate. A book about Kelly and Finn and their feelings on life their chosen careers and for each other as supporting friends. Kelly is a budding bright doctor who looses control in a supermarket. I think we can all identify with her but not the outcome that later has consequences. Finn is a budding actor and is locked into his past and what if’s of life and is persuaded against his better judgement to enter the world of drugs. Well written but truly not an enjoyable book to read but once started you need to finish to find out if they leave the world and how, do they become an item together or with someone else. Lots of various endings could occur. Thank you #betterreadng for the opportunity to read and review this book. Also I googled Guy Sigley and yes he is the son of tv comedian actor singer Ernie Sigley.

[Liat M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly and Fin have been inseparable since childhood. Two broken souls bonded over their shared struggles, they’ve always been each other’s safe haven. Until they reach their breaking point, when the rift opens and their friendship becomes toxic, the weight of their fears and expectations begin to overwhelm them both.

Beautifully written, Fin and Kelly are filled with a depth and anxiety that leaves us wanting more. It’s almost like watching a car crash in slow motion, you know this is all coming to a head, you can see it from a mile away but you’ve just go wait until the disaster hits in order to figure out what to do next.

The mental health challenges of both characters were very well written and I liked that their experiences of how they reacted to what was happening differed and weren’t necessarily the typical expression of anxiety or depression.

I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t help feeling invested in the relationship between the characters.

Thank you to Better Reading, Echo Publishing and the author for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review.

[_biancasbookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible debut from Guy Sigley! I devoured this book in just a few days. I absolutely loved the two main characters, Finn and Kelly. Finn is an actor chasing stardom, while Kelly is studying to become a paediatrician. Both are at breaking point, and the pressure they’re under—combined with the weight of their childhood trauma—shows how deeply our past can shape who we are today.

This story tackles some darker themes, exploring anxiety, depression, and mental illness with honesty and compassion. It’s a powerful reminder that help is always available and that no one has to go through it alone. (If you’re in Australia, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.)

An unforgettable, raw, and heartfelt read — I highly recommend it. I can’t wait to see what Guy Sigley does next!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was hard to put down and I was intrigued to find out what would happen next. I also had a sense of dread that suicide could happen at any stage. The flashbacks helped build character substance, especially as I wanted to know what happened to Finn's father. The author explored mental health well and it was relatable. It was crazy to see how fast drugs can affect someone especially their finances, work and relationships with others. I would have liked to know more about the characters in the ending. I felt there was too much of a jump into the future and I wanted to know how it occurred as I was invested in the characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel shines with complex characters that have grit and resilience, each one battling their own vulnerabilities. Sigley’s writing balances humor and heartache, drawing readers into an emotional journey that feels both honest, raw and uplifting. A truly memorable read that captures the messy, beautiful chaos of being human.
This book is not a light hearted read, but a read that will captivate you and also giving you slight lesson on mental health, anxiety and addiction.
I wanted more from these characters and my only downside with the book is that I feel it ended too soon and wanted to read more of Kelly and Finn.

A great read from an Australian author.
Please read the trigger warnings at the front of the book.

[Shyler Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lovely story about two best friends who essentially trauma bond.

Are they perfect for each other? Absolutely not.
But what relationship is perfect,

Dealing with their own inner turmoil this story shows the pair going through a huge year of learning to accept their issues and finding ways to manage.
Sometimes this looks like leaning too heavily on one another, on using substances and letting the emotion take over.

I loved the flashbacks, though this did become a little confusing at times. I also really liked the dates at the beginning of each chapter and the dual POV.

Cute story; but as normal please check triggers

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: Deep Love, Emotional Rollercoaster, Raw Realness

- - -
I was kindly gifted this book by the author Guy himself, and I was instantly drawn in by that gorgeous cover. All those hearts had me expecting a light, funny rom-com… but wow, was I wrong (in the best way possible!)

This book was deep. Yes it’s a love story, but one told through an honest, messy and beautifully human lens. It explores some intense topics including the clash between expectations and reality, the fragility of mental health, the pull of addiction and how self sabotage can derail even the best intentions.

The writing was stunning and the characters felt so believable and heartbreakingly real. I found myself utterly invested in Kelly and Finn, feeling their highs, lows and every gut punch in between. I wanted to reach into the pages and cheer them on, even when life kept throwing curveballs.

This is the kind of story that sneaks up on you emotionally. It’s raw, moving and full of heart and I finished it feeling both broken and hopeful at once (and that’s a 5-star feeling in my book 🤩).

This wasn’t the rom-com I expected… it was so much more and I can’t wait to see what Guy writes next.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book! OMG! I was hooked on the second page and 100% all in. Kelly and Finn are two of my favourite characters this year. Weirdly loveable and achingly flawed, their friendship and struggles were compelling and relatable (to a certain extent!)

I can't recommend this book highly enough. I've been in a bit of a slump and I devoured this within 24 hours. It's that good!

Thanks to the author for sending me a review copy. Please send more of your words!

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very thought provoking novel that made me sit and think about how I show up in my own relationships and the shape that my own mental health has taken throughout my adolescent years and young adult life. The story doesn't shy away from showing how confronting our own perceived realities can greatly impact the people we love the most. I enjoyed it, but didn't love it. Nevertheless, it got me thinking about how I can show up more for myself and the people I choose to share my time with.

[Phillipa Maloney-Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Touching story of a couple who finally accept they belong together. The characters are real and believable. I found myself invested in their journeys. I have read all of Sigley's novels and always find he gets into the heads of the characters who feel insecure in such a touching and honest way.

[Lyndsey Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!

This is devastatingly, heartbreaking, raw and beautiful to read.

So much raw emotion and pain unpacked within the pages. Beautifully written with so much insight into mental health and anxiety.


I’ll be updating my review tomorrow.

[Jane Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A confronting insight into the trauma of mental illness through the eyes of two high achieving and charismatic characters.

In between the description of crippling perfectionism, devastating rumination, self-sabotage and addiction, is a story of love, loyalty and hope.

Written with humour and wit, Anxious Hearts is a valuable contribution to the reading list of anyone who has been impacted by anxiety.

[Wendy Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anxious Hearts by Guy Sigley is a moving, compassionate portrayal of anxiety’s grip. Finn and Kate’s story is raw, real, and deeply human—a powerful, empathetic read that lingers with you.

[Christie Mellerick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of two childhood friends, destined to be lovers explores the anxieties and pressures set upon their professional selves. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

[Sams Readings · Rating 3 out of 5]

i thought my anxiety was bad