Love Like This: A Memoir

by Natalie Bassingthwaighte

An unflinchingly honest, intimate memoir about love, loss and the courage it takes to embrace your whole story – even the parts you once wanted to hide.After love, heartbreak, career highs and lows, motherhood, loss and self-discovery, I've learned that real strength doesn't come from holding it all together, but from allowing yourself to be vulnerable.Natalie Bassingthwaighte, aka Nat Bass, has been on our screens and stages for decades, from her breakout role as Izzy Hoyland on Neighbours to iconic theatre performances as Roxie Hart and Shirley Valentine. As the lead singer of Rogue Traders, she took the Australian music industry by storm.But behind the curtain, Nat's life tells another a teenage pregnancy, two marriages and divorces, the challenges of co-parenting, grief and loss, and, ultimately, finding love again in an unexpected place.Inspiring and full of heart, Love Like This goes beyond the headlines to reveal the woman behind 'Nat Bass'. It's a story of resilience, reinvention and what it truly means to measure a life; not by mistakes or rejections, but with love, courage and connection.

Genres: Audiobook, Memoir, Music

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

Reviews

[Craig and Phil]

Natalie Bassingthwaighte or Nat Bass for short, is known to the world as a actor, singer, host, theatre star and mother.
The former Neighbours star is busier than ever.
Currently starring in the musical production Waitress and touring as lead vocalist in Australia’s electronic rock band Rogue Traders.
Amongst her hectic schedule, Nat has written and released a memoir, Love Like This.
I’ve always been a fan and loved Nat, watched her on TV, seen her perform in theatre many times and even meet her after a show, of course she is so lovely.
Natalie chats with the reader and gets candid.
We hear about her early life on the stage, the break out role of villain Izzy Hoyland in the popular soapie, fronting Rogue Traders, her marriage, her children, her life long friends and all the in between.
She talks honestly and openly about her past, her younger days and starting out in the business.
Her personal life is on the table as well, genuine, forthright and frank.
She is real, raw, authentic, brave, daring and completely herself.
Go behind the scenes to hear her truth.
Natalie, you’re a legend and a superstar, continue to shine.

[Donna McCoull]

I really admire Natalie’s willingness to fully reveal herself in this memoir. It would’ve no doubt been easier to present a more polished version of herself & to gloss over or even omit some of the more “unpopular” life decisions she’s made but it all culminated to ultimately leave the reader feeling like they know her in much greater depth than her public persona and that she is a funny, talented, ambitious, loving and emotional human.

[Lee]

I have always loved Nat Bass!
I never watched her in Neighbours as im not a Neighbours fan however I did go to a Rogue Traders concert back in 2008 & it was an awesum night & I was just in awe of her especially how stunning and talented she is.

Her memoir has to be one of the most beautiful, sad, courageous & strong stories ive ever read.

[Erin Davies]

I didn’t realise how much there was to know about Nat Bass, and she really went deep into certain parts of her story. Although, I did feel like she glossed over other areas a little too quickly. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I’m glad she found her happily ever after.

[Ally Marov]

’Here's my promise to myself as I close this book: I will keep unpacking without living in the suitcase. I'll support anyone else trying to do the same, especially those who think it's 'too late' to begin. I'll guide my kids to know life isn't perfect, but it can still be beautiful. We fall. We get up. We ask for help. We help where we can. We make moments and sit inside them. We find stillness. We ride the waves.

And when the waves dump us on the sand, we sit on the shore and look back at what was with gratitude. Maybe not straightaway. But in time. We feel all of it: the highs, the lows, the messy middle. We grow. We learn. We evolve. We share. We teach. We give. It can be horrible and hard and never-ending. It can also be peaceful, beautiful and exhilarating’.

✨5 stars✨
📖 FORMAT: 🎧 & 📱- available to read on IndyReads through your local library
⚠️TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE YOU READ THIS BOOK/REVIEW: abortion, infidelity, miscarriage, sexual assault, death of loved ones, suicide, internalised homophobia, relationship breakdown, grief

Most people would know Nat Bass from her time as Izzy Hoyland on Neighbours. As a young child in the mid to late 2000’s, I knew her as the front woman of Rogue Traders and an iconic popstar.
Songs such as I Never Liked You, In Love Again and Alive have played a part in the soundtrack of my childhood.

Going into this memoir, I knew I was going to love it but I didn’t think that I would’ve loved it as much as I do.

The vulnerability, the realness, the raw and honest account of certain things that have gone on throughout her life. It was interesting to read about from start to finish.

And the audiobook… oh, don’t even get me started! Bassingthwaite is an absolute natural at narration. The chapters themselves are a bit short but with her narration, I was able to fly through between 2-3 chapters per day.

Again, normally I wouldn’t rate a memoir based on the subject materials mentioned but because I’m such a fan and I genuinely had a good time reading it, I feel like a rating is deserved!

Overall, a great memoir! Would recommend if you’re beginning your own reading journey or if you’re wanting to branch out into the autobiography/memoir genre ✨🌻

[AJ]

Vulnerable, enjoyable and endearing. I’ve always really vibed with Nat wherever I’ve seen her, and I’m overjoyed she’s with a woman now (as a lesbian myself). I feel I understand her way more after reading this book. Nat’s a true artist: a sensitive, brilliant, talented oversharer!

Small critiques: Timeline was a bit jumpy/confusing in parts and the editor(s) should have picked up on a few spelling/grammar errors that broke the suspension of disbelief in one of the last chapters (too instead of to, new instead of knew).

Overall, a lovely read.

[Marilyn Watson]

A brave, frank autobiography in which Natalie Bassingthwaighte gives the reader insights into her amazing and imperfect self. She is vulnerable, she is strong, and she gives the reader parts of herself which many people wouldn't be brave enough to tell. I feel better for having read it, which is a pretty great achievement for any author, let alone when telling one's own story.

[Rachelle Bransgrove]

Have been a huge Nat Bass fan for years and was so excited to read her memoir! I had no idea of the challenges and hardships she went through to get to where she is now. Well worth the read for all NAT Bass fans :)

[Bea]

Loved her energy and loved getting to know her through this book! I've seen her a few times in Kathleen's (Hi-5) photos and wondered how did they became friends. Turns out they did the Australian production of Rent together back in the late 1990s.

Truly a beautiful memoir to read :)

[Bettina]

I remember in my teenage years watching Natalie Bassingthwaighte on neighbours as “Izzy”. To write a book about yourself and then have it published takes a lot of guts. I enjoyed reading Nat’s book and her journey in life.

⭐️I give this book 4 stars ⭐️

[Helen]

Interesting read, although it was a bit disappointing, she only wrote one fleeting chapter about her time on Neighbours given she was such an iconic character.

[Melissa Williams]

Uplifting refreshing wholesome

Loved reading Nats book an amazing woman it was raw honest and she is such a beautiful soul I love her music

[Kirsten Marr]

Honest and raw account of a creative and talented person. A life journey to the present.

[Beck White]

Easy read, interesting and well written. I laughed and cried at multiple different times. I’ve seen Nat in JLP twice and Waitress twice. Relatable journey.

[Alex Wensing]

A great read, Nat has lived many lives

[Kate Schultz]

Giving this one five stars, not because it’s perfect, but because side it made me cry multiple times as well as some laughs and 80’s and 90’s reminiscing.

[Saturday's Child]

When the paperback version of this arrived for me at the library, I was keen to read it. I almost read it in a day.

[Lorns]

Very honest and open memoir. Was very much looking forward to reading and it didn't disappoint

[Rome Sculli]

•audiobook•

[Elaine]

I loved this book I found it really interesting reading about Natalie’s life