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Lovesick
A raw, honest and distinctive novel that dissects the heartbreak, passion, insecurity, obsession, betrayal and joy of modern relationships. For readers of Sally Rooney, Jacqueline Maley, Diana Reid and anyone who has experienced love or heartache in equal measure.
'Do you think much about love? About how abrupt it is,' she asked. Gabby hooked her arm through his and stretched on her toes to kiss him. His mouth was dry; she tasted like rainwater. It occurred to Gordon that she was a shadow he might not be able to catch.
Two lonely lives collide on a drug-fuelled night out in Brisbane's West End. Gabby and Gordon, both lovesick and haunted by childhood wounds, find solace in each other's arms. But the passion that brings them together isn't enough in the face of insecurity, jealousy and grief.
In the wake of the intense and turbulent act of falling in - and out - of love, other relationships in their lives start to crumble. How far can Gabby and Gordon push each other, and everyone else they love, before they lose their way back?
'Do you think much about love? About how abrupt it is,' she asked. Gabby hooked her arm through his and stretched on her toes to kiss him. His mouth was dry; she tasted like rainwater. It occurred to Gordon that she was a shadow he might not be able to catch.
Two lonely lives collide on a drug-fuelled night out in Brisbane's West End. Gabby and Gordon, both lovesick and haunted by childhood wounds, find solace in each other's arms. But the passion that brings them together isn't enough in the face of insecurity, jealousy and grief.
In the wake of the intense and turbulent act of falling in - and out - of love, other relationships in their lives start to crumble. How far can Gabby and Gordon push each other, and everyone else they love, before they lose their way back?
320 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2026
About the author
Lillian Telford
1 book10 followersLillian Telford is an Australian writer from Meanjin (Brisbane) whose work has been published in a range of literary magazines and anthologies, including Corella Press, Urinal Magazine, Island and Bowen Street Press. She has been shortlisted for the Glendower Award in the Queensland Literary Awards twice. Lovesick is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
July 14, 2026
It was okay.
I think there were elements I loved and elements that annoyed me. I found the exploration of the best friend/boyfriend tension more gripping at times than the actual core relationship. I did not, at all, root for the best friend. Happy to be challenged on that.
I did appreciate the ripple effect of how Gordon’s mum “leaving the family” affected his own worldview, desires and fears. I think the author did a good job at highlighting the complexity of when women break the mothering contract. I am, however, reminded of that Laura Dern monologue in Marriage Story - we hold women to an impossibly high standard, and a much higher standard than men. Her abandoning the family is such a central vehicle of the narrative and validates this monologue.
I famously hate pop culture references in books and trust, there were a few. But it was honestly refreshing reading about Brisbane? It deserves more love.
Overall, a pretty neat book for a first time author.
I think there were elements I loved and elements that annoyed me. I found the exploration of the best friend/boyfriend tension more gripping at times than the actual core relationship. I did not, at all, root for the best friend. Happy to be challenged on that.
I did appreciate the ripple effect of how Gordon’s mum “leaving the family” affected his own worldview, desires and fears. I think the author did a good job at highlighting the complexity of when women break the mothering contract. I am, however, reminded of that Laura Dern monologue in Marriage Story - we hold women to an impossibly high standard, and a much higher standard than men. Her abandoning the family is such a central vehicle of the narrative and validates this monologue.
I famously hate pop culture references in books and trust, there were a few. But it was honestly refreshing reading about Brisbane? It deserves more love.
Overall, a pretty neat book for a first time author.
September 1, 2026
Gordon's POV read like a 2014 edgy depressed tumblr fan-fiction and Gabby's POV read like a 14 year old's idea of what adulting is like. I was left thoroughly unimpressed.
To give this book its credit, there were some bits I did like, but it always came back to thinking wow this is so cringey?! The writing and the characters thoughts just felt sooooo immature for a group of people who are meant to be in their late late twenties to mid-thirties. Whyyyyy are we giving up our bestfriend for a man at that age, whyyyy are we living for the male gaze at that age, whyyyyy are we actively involved with a taken man, like girl come on. And Gabby is soooo self-centred and boy-obsessed I couldn't even deal. This whole book is pandering to men sooo much and they aren't even going to read it????
To give this book its credit, there were some bits I did like, but it always came back to thinking wow this is so cringey?! The writing and the characters thoughts just felt sooooo immature for a group of people who are meant to be in their late late twenties to mid-thirties. Whyyyyy are we giving up our bestfriend for a man at that age, whyyyy are we living for the male gaze at that age, whyyyyy are we actively involved with a taken man, like girl come on. And Gabby is soooo self-centred and boy-obsessed I couldn't even deal. This whole book is pandering to men sooo much and they aren't even going to read it????
September 1, 2026
not horrendous but failed to compel me and the dialogue was unrealistic
June 26, 2026
Not a traditional love story, but a love story nonetheless. A story centred around Gabby and Gordon, who find a resonating comfort in each other
When a joint trauma breaks them apart, they both deal with the grief in their own unique way, causing a ripple effect to the other person.
Amplified with complications from other friendships and family, is their feelings for each other enough to survive jealousy, trauma and heartbreak.
It’s raw, unapologetic and at times confronting. Telford has an amazing way with words, and touches on tough, dark themes in a poignant way
I found the time shift at times a bit jarring, and while it was hard to jell with the main characters, I couldn’t put the book down until I knew how the story was going to end
Thank you so much HQ Insiders for my gifted review copy. I am very excited to see what Telford writes next
When a joint trauma breaks them apart, they both deal with the grief in their own unique way, causing a ripple effect to the other person.
Amplified with complications from other friendships and family, is their feelings for each other enough to survive jealousy, trauma and heartbreak.
It’s raw, unapologetic and at times confronting. Telford has an amazing way with words, and touches on tough, dark themes in a poignant way
I found the time shift at times a bit jarring, and while it was hard to jell with the main characters, I couldn’t put the book down until I knew how the story was going to end
Thank you so much HQ Insiders for my gifted review copy. I am very excited to see what Telford writes next
June 22, 2026
Booksta Link✨
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes & Themes: Messy relationships and friendships, complex family dynamics, heartbreak, passion, contemporary fiction, toxic relationships, hurt and comfort.
Trigger Warnings: Miscarriage, domestic violence, drug use.
Thank you so much to HQ & Harper Collins Australia for sending me a gorgeous proof copy in exchange for an honest review!
Lovesick by Lillian Telford is an exquisite, heartbreaking debut that explores the depths of love, loss, and the messiness of human relationships. It's a story about heartbreak in all its forms - romantic, familial, and personal - and about finding yourself again after everything falls apart. You may emerge a little broken, but ultimately stronger and more certain of who you are.
I have never read a book that made me reflect so deeply on love and dating. It left me unexpectedly emotional, prompting me to consider my own experiences in ways few books ever have. Although there is hope and healing by the end, the journey there is filled with heartbreak, grief, loneliness, difficult choices, and the painful reality that love alone isn't always enough. The story unfolds through dual timelines and dual perspectives, following Gabby and Gordon from the beginning of their relationship to its devastating aftermath. Their story begins with a chance meeting on a drunken night out that quickly grows into a relationship that feels perfect - as though they've finally found what they've both been missing.
The novel opens in the present with Gabby grieving the loss of the love of her life, while Gordon's chapters take us back to the early days of their romance. It takes a few chapters to settle into the structure, but once I did, I couldn't imagine the story being told any other way. The entire time, I found myself waiting for the moment everything fell apart, searching for someone to blame or a defining event that caused the end of their relationship. But the most heartbreaking revelation is that there is no villain. There is no singular event, no one person at fault - just two people who love each other deeply while fighting battles within themselves.
Telford's writing truly shines in the emotional depth she brings to both characters, particularly through their inner monologues. Gabby's perspective resonated with me most. Having experienced a recent breakup that left me feeling as though my world was ending, I found her portrayal of modern heartbreak painfully real. The loneliness, the confusion, the desperate attempts to fill the void left behind, and the terrible decisions made in the aftermath of loss are captured with remarkable honesty. Gabby's choices, driven by grief and isolation, may be frustrating or difficult to understand at times, but they also make her feel incredibly authentic. She is a woman in mourning, doing whatever she can to survive the emptiness.
This is very much a character-driven and emotionally focused story, which may not work for every reader, but I was genuinely surprised by just how deeply it moved me. Lovesick isn't a book I would normally gravitate towards, and after finishing it, I'm almost embarrassed to admit how little contemporary fiction and romance I've read. This novel has completely shifted my perspective on the genre and left me craving more stories like it.
Ultimately, Lovesick is a beautifully honest portrayal of modern love in all its complexity - messy, passionate, heartbreaking, and hopeful. It reminds us that there doesn't always have to be a villain or a single moment that changes things; sometimes, relationships end because people are hurting in ways they don't yet know how to heal. It's a story that will stay with me for a long time, and one I know I'll return to whenever I need a reminder that even after heartbreak, there is still a way forward.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes & Themes: Messy relationships and friendships, complex family dynamics, heartbreak, passion, contemporary fiction, toxic relationships, hurt and comfort.
Trigger Warnings: Miscarriage, domestic violence, drug use.
Thank you so much to HQ & Harper Collins Australia for sending me a gorgeous proof copy in exchange for an honest review!
Lovesick by Lillian Telford is an exquisite, heartbreaking debut that explores the depths of love, loss, and the messiness of human relationships. It's a story about heartbreak in all its forms - romantic, familial, and personal - and about finding yourself again after everything falls apart. You may emerge a little broken, but ultimately stronger and more certain of who you are.
I have never read a book that made me reflect so deeply on love and dating. It left me unexpectedly emotional, prompting me to consider my own experiences in ways few books ever have. Although there is hope and healing by the end, the journey there is filled with heartbreak, grief, loneliness, difficult choices, and the painful reality that love alone isn't always enough. The story unfolds through dual timelines and dual perspectives, following Gabby and Gordon from the beginning of their relationship to its devastating aftermath. Their story begins with a chance meeting on a drunken night out that quickly grows into a relationship that feels perfect - as though they've finally found what they've both been missing.
The novel opens in the present with Gabby grieving the loss of the love of her life, while Gordon's chapters take us back to the early days of their romance. It takes a few chapters to settle into the structure, but once I did, I couldn't imagine the story being told any other way. The entire time, I found myself waiting for the moment everything fell apart, searching for someone to blame or a defining event that caused the end of their relationship. But the most heartbreaking revelation is that there is no villain. There is no singular event, no one person at fault - just two people who love each other deeply while fighting battles within themselves.
Telford's writing truly shines in the emotional depth she brings to both characters, particularly through their inner monologues. Gabby's perspective resonated with me most. Having experienced a recent breakup that left me feeling as though my world was ending, I found her portrayal of modern heartbreak painfully real. The loneliness, the confusion, the desperate attempts to fill the void left behind, and the terrible decisions made in the aftermath of loss are captured with remarkable honesty. Gabby's choices, driven by grief and isolation, may be frustrating or difficult to understand at times, but they also make her feel incredibly authentic. She is a woman in mourning, doing whatever she can to survive the emptiness.
This is very much a character-driven and emotionally focused story, which may not work for every reader, but I was genuinely surprised by just how deeply it moved me. Lovesick isn't a book I would normally gravitate towards, and after finishing it, I'm almost embarrassed to admit how little contemporary fiction and romance I've read. This novel has completely shifted my perspective on the genre and left me craving more stories like it.
Ultimately, Lovesick is a beautifully honest portrayal of modern love in all its complexity - messy, passionate, heartbreaking, and hopeful. It reminds us that there doesn't always have to be a villain or a single moment that changes things; sometimes, relationships end because people are hurting in ways they don't yet know how to heal. It's a story that will stay with me for a long time, and one I know I'll return to whenever I need a reminder that even after heartbreak, there is still a way forward.
September 22, 2026
Tentative 3.5 but honestly really undecided on how I feel about this book.
I went through a phase of reading books like these, very introspective-Sally Rooney-miscommunication-depressive spiral type contemporary fiction a few years ago. And I am drawn to them for a reason. There’s no doubt Lilian Telford is a good writer, and you can see the poetic touch throughout. However at times I felt myself thinking - is it really that deep? Is it that true to real life? Maybe for some people, yes (not me). But often the dialogue just read like opportunities for profound lines - like the characters were mouthpieces for a broader commentary rather than individuals in their own right.
A criticism I have with this book may be the glamorous depiction of this sort of back and forth relationship, the viscous cycle of falling back into bad habits and emerging to find yourself again. But upon reflection, and after truly seeing this depiction as actually sad rather than (sort of pathetically) aspirational, that might just be me growing up. There was certainly an interesting conversation about motherhood and family intertwined here, which I think deserved more spotlight than Chip lol. I also love a book set in Australia, with places and things I can visualise.
Shout out bookclub for this one xx
I went through a phase of reading books like these, very introspective-Sally Rooney-miscommunication-depressive spiral type contemporary fiction a few years ago. And I am drawn to them for a reason. There’s no doubt Lilian Telford is a good writer, and you can see the poetic touch throughout. However at times I felt myself thinking - is it really that deep? Is it that true to real life? Maybe for some people, yes (not me). But often the dialogue just read like opportunities for profound lines - like the characters were mouthpieces for a broader commentary rather than individuals in their own right.
A criticism I have with this book may be the glamorous depiction of this sort of back and forth relationship, the viscous cycle of falling back into bad habits and emerging to find yourself again. But upon reflection, and after truly seeing this depiction as actually sad rather than (sort of pathetically) aspirational, that might just be me growing up. There was certainly an interesting conversation about motherhood and family intertwined here, which I think deserved more spotlight than Chip lol. I also love a book set in Australia, with places and things I can visualise.
Shout out bookclub for this one xx
September 23, 2026
I ended up really enjoying this as the past and present timelines of dysfunction began to overlap. A cleverly told critique of modern relationships.
July 22, 2026
Lovesick is a well-written debut novel by a young Australian writer, it is set in Brisbane. It explores a young couple complex relationship, very messy but also very emotional with themes of heartbreak, insecurity and everything in between. Thank you so much HQ Insiders for my gifted review copy.
Did Not Finish
July 23, 2026Sadly dnfing but wasn’t wanting to pick it up and wasn’t in the mood for a collection of insufferable characters. The writing itself was fine however just not for me!
May 30, 2026
Review of an ARC recvd from publisher.
3 ⭐️
I spent most of this book admiring it.
Lovesick is marketed as a love story, but it feels much more like a novel about attachment. About the people we build ourselves around. About grief, friendship, obsession, family and the stories we tell ourselves about the people we love.
The strongest aspect for me was the writing. Lillian Telford has a sharp eye for emotional detail and a real talent for capturing the strange contradictions that exist inside relationships. Gabby's chapters were easily my favourite. Her friendship with Róisín often felt more emotionally charged and interesting than the central romance, and those sections carried a lot of the novel's emotional weight.
What stopped this becoming a higher-rated read for me was the balance between introspection and momentum. The novel spends a lot of time inside its characters' heads, unpacking their feelings, memories and anxieties. Sometimes this led to genuinely insightful moments. Other times I found myself wishing the story would move forward rather than continue analysing itself.
The characters are complex and intentionally flawed, which I appreciated, but I never became fully invested in them. I understood them more than I connected with them. By the end, I felt like I'd spent a lot of time examining their emotional lives without becoming particularly attached to either of them.
That said, I can absolutely see why this is finding its audience. Readers who loved Cleopatra and Frankenstein, Sally Rooney or character-driven literary fiction that prioritises emotional complexity over plot will probably get far more out of this than I did.
A thoughtful, well-written novel that gave me plenty to think about, even if it never quite got under my skin.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to review this book.
3 ⭐️
I spent most of this book admiring it.
Lovesick is marketed as a love story, but it feels much more like a novel about attachment. About the people we build ourselves around. About grief, friendship, obsession, family and the stories we tell ourselves about the people we love.
The strongest aspect for me was the writing. Lillian Telford has a sharp eye for emotional detail and a real talent for capturing the strange contradictions that exist inside relationships. Gabby's chapters were easily my favourite. Her friendship with Róisín often felt more emotionally charged and interesting than the central romance, and those sections carried a lot of the novel's emotional weight.
What stopped this becoming a higher-rated read for me was the balance between introspection and momentum. The novel spends a lot of time inside its characters' heads, unpacking their feelings, memories and anxieties. Sometimes this led to genuinely insightful moments. Other times I found myself wishing the story would move forward rather than continue analysing itself.
The characters are complex and intentionally flawed, which I appreciated, but I never became fully invested in them. I understood them more than I connected with them. By the end, I felt like I'd spent a lot of time examining their emotional lives without becoming particularly attached to either of them.
That said, I can absolutely see why this is finding its audience. Readers who loved Cleopatra and Frankenstein, Sally Rooney or character-driven literary fiction that prioritises emotional complexity over plot will probably get far more out of this than I did.
A thoughtful, well-written novel that gave me plenty to think about, even if it never quite got under my skin.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to review this book.
July 13, 2026
Lovesick had me looking back at my own past relationships like ohhh maybe that explains a lot.
soooo we follow Gabby and Gordon after they meet on a messy, drug fuelled night out in Brisbane. They fall for each other almost instantly but what I really loved is that the story doesn’t actually start there. It starts after they’ve already broken up.
The timeline jumps back and forth with Gordon’s chapters taking us through the beginning of their relationship and all those exciting first moments of falling in love and Gabby’s chapters follow her after everything has fallen apart as she tries to piece her life back together. I honestly lovvvved the way it was done because you’re watching this relationship bloom while already knowing it’s going to end and there’s this constant feeling of waiting for the moment everything goes wrong.
What really got me tho was how real it all felt. There isn’t one big fight or dramatic moment that tears them apart, Gabby and Gordon are just two people carrying around so much hurt from their childhoods like they’re both sooo scared of being abandoned and not feeling good enough that they end up hurting the one person they love the most without even realising it. it really shows how much we all bring into relationships without meaning to and sometimes loving someone just isn’t enough if you don’t know how to love yourself first or believe you’re worthy of it.
I also just loved the writing. There were a few times where I’d read a line and literally stop because it felt like the author had taken a thought straight out of my own head. Nothing about the heartbreak is romanticised either like its ugly and sometimes frustrating but that’s lowk why it felt so real
tbh Gabby can be hard to like at times. She’s grieving and makes some really frustrating choices, but none of it felt unrealistic. If anything it felt like a pretty honest look at what heartbreak can do to someone. allllsoooooo Gordon’s story broke my heart a lil more. Seeing how much his childhood and the abandonment from his mum shaped the way he loved people was honestly devastating. He carried around so much guilt that my heart just hurtssssss for him.
PLzzzz know that this isn't a light and fluffy romance. It’s heavy and it will make you feel things, but it’s so worth it. It’s an incredible debut and it just felt so honest and human. If you’re looking for a book that’s more about the messy, complicated truth of love and heartbreak, you need to read this.
Thankyou to HQ insiders for providing me with an arc <3 all thoughts are my own
soooo we follow Gabby and Gordon after they meet on a messy, drug fuelled night out in Brisbane. They fall for each other almost instantly but what I really loved is that the story doesn’t actually start there. It starts after they’ve already broken up.
The timeline jumps back and forth with Gordon’s chapters taking us through the beginning of their relationship and all those exciting first moments of falling in love and Gabby’s chapters follow her after everything has fallen apart as she tries to piece her life back together. I honestly lovvvved the way it was done because you’re watching this relationship bloom while already knowing it’s going to end and there’s this constant feeling of waiting for the moment everything goes wrong.
What really got me tho was how real it all felt. There isn’t one big fight or dramatic moment that tears them apart, Gabby and Gordon are just two people carrying around so much hurt from their childhoods like they’re both sooo scared of being abandoned and not feeling good enough that they end up hurting the one person they love the most without even realising it. it really shows how much we all bring into relationships without meaning to and sometimes loving someone just isn’t enough if you don’t know how to love yourself first or believe you’re worthy of it.
I also just loved the writing. There were a few times where I’d read a line and literally stop because it felt like the author had taken a thought straight out of my own head. Nothing about the heartbreak is romanticised either like its ugly and sometimes frustrating but that’s lowk why it felt so real
tbh Gabby can be hard to like at times. She’s grieving and makes some really frustrating choices, but none of it felt unrealistic. If anything it felt like a pretty honest look at what heartbreak can do to someone. allllsoooooo Gordon’s story broke my heart a lil more. Seeing how much his childhood and the abandonment from his mum shaped the way he loved people was honestly devastating. He carried around so much guilt that my heart just hurtssssss for him.
PLzzzz know that this isn't a light and fluffy romance. It’s heavy and it will make you feel things, but it’s so worth it. It’s an incredible debut and it just felt so honest and human. If you’re looking for a book that’s more about the messy, complicated truth of love and heartbreak, you need to read this.
Thankyou to HQ insiders for providing me with an arc <3 all thoughts are my own
June 30, 2026
Well this was quite the debut!
Gordon & Gabby
The story is told from their perspectives flicking from past to present, at the start I found this a little difficult to follow but got the hang of it and I was desperate to find out how this was going to end.
This is a story about heartbreak. The deep, heavy, sadness of heartbreak. It’s about how relationships structure our lives, who we become when we’re around people we love, decisions made, regrets and grief.
It’s so raw and messy, our characters are vulnerable, insecure, lonely and a little self destructing. There’s a lot of passion and heartbreak, as well as the need to be loved.
My heart broke for Gordon.
All that he felt. All the blame he felt. Agh that really hit me hard.
The writing style is unique, it’s lyrical and at times it felt like I was reading poetry. You can feel every single word on the page. It hurts, like it’s you going through it. There are some heavy themes that are written well and help you understand what the characters are going through.
Thank you @hqbooks @harpercollinsaustralia for the early copy!
Gordon & Gabby
The story is told from their perspectives flicking from past to present, at the start I found this a little difficult to follow but got the hang of it and I was desperate to find out how this was going to end.
This is a story about heartbreak. The deep, heavy, sadness of heartbreak. It’s about how relationships structure our lives, who we become when we’re around people we love, decisions made, regrets and grief.
It’s so raw and messy, our characters are vulnerable, insecure, lonely and a little self destructing. There’s a lot of passion and heartbreak, as well as the need to be loved.
My heart broke for Gordon.
All that he felt. All the blame he felt. Agh that really hit me hard.
The writing style is unique, it’s lyrical and at times it felt like I was reading poetry. You can feel every single word on the page. It hurts, like it’s you going through it. There are some heavy themes that are written well and help you understand what the characters are going through.
Thank you @hqbooks @harpercollinsaustralia for the early copy!
Read
July 27, 2026A look at modern love, and when a relationship fails whilst love still lingers.
This book explores how the weight of mental health and past traumas can lead to fractures in relationships, if left unaddressed, and explores the feeling of drifting listlessness that overwhelms so many of us in our twenties in a search for meaning.
I was deeply engaged in Gabby and Gordon's love story, the switch between past and present kept me invested, whilst permeating a sense of impending doom. I will say however that it became hard to empathise with Gabby at times, due to her actions, whilst you understood where they came from, just really do not align with a ‘girls girl’ agenda.
This novel wasn’t anything necessarily groundbreaking, but it was an enjoyable and well written read.
A massive thank you to Harper Collins for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
This book explores how the weight of mental health and past traumas can lead to fractures in relationships, if left unaddressed, and explores the feeling of drifting listlessness that overwhelms so many of us in our twenties in a search for meaning.
I was deeply engaged in Gabby and Gordon's love story, the switch between past and present kept me invested, whilst permeating a sense of impending doom. I will say however that it became hard to empathise with Gabby at times, due to her actions, whilst you understood where they came from, just really do not align with a ‘girls girl’ agenda.
This novel wasn’t anything necessarily groundbreaking, but it was an enjoyable and well written read.
A massive thank you to Harper Collins for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
August 8, 2026
really real and crushing portrayal of early twenties heartbreak #lol. idk i was more interested in gordon’s relationship with his mother and the portrayal of gabby and roisin’s friendship tbh wish that was explored a bit more… also pregnancy loss storyline felt like it could have been more developed idk ig being a woman in ur early twenties and grappling w the prospect of motherhood and identity is so crushing overall as a concept it felt a little tacked on imo but i enjoyed the book in general. read it at a lowk vulnerable time so shed a few tears. made me feel things or whateva. wish i could give it 3.5 stars instead
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2026
This was a really really solid debut and so awesome that it’s set in Brisbane! Just so cool to read such familiar places, especially when the protagonist is very relatable too - just drifting through Brisbane and struggling through Uni kinda like me. This style of litfic is my fav and I really enjoyed following these characters move into and out of each other’s lives. I didn’t love the nonlinear structure as I felt it didn’t flow quite as well. But I really can’t wait to see what this author does next.
July 4, 2026
This was such a tragically beautiful read. Following Gabby and Gordon in a honest and open look at relationships and love. I loved the setting of Brisbane and west end being a local it’s so nice to read about a familiar setting. No matter how hard things seem it can change in a moment.
July 25, 2026
This was really easy to read, enjoyed the writing. Story itself was a little boring.
July 27, 2026
What a beautiful debut! The stunning prose weaves a gritty yet tender tapestry of various human experiences when navigating modern relationships. It delves deep into the human psyche while making you resonate with the emotions the characters are feeling. I enjoyed Lovesick very much!
August 4, 2026
what a terrible choice of book for someone who wants their (possibly) broken boyfriend to put themself together and come back
also the time jump between the two characters made me confused at first
also the time jump between the two characters made me confused at first
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2026
something 18 year old me would have liked, maybe……….
August 27, 2026
i have a weird relationship with books set in australia/syd- melbourne… they kind of make me cringe, and idk why.
i found myself enjoying gabby and gordon’s relationships with other people, especially roision and meredith, more than their actual romantic relationship. i also felt like some parts of the story were brushed over too quickly, while other parts were given more attention than they really needed. despite that, i found the book really relatable and thought it was well written. overall, i enjoyed it, but i definitely connected more with some parts of the story than others.
i found myself enjoying gabby and gordon’s relationships with other people, especially roision and meredith, more than their actual romantic relationship. i also felt like some parts of the story were brushed over too quickly, while other parts were given more attention than they really needed. despite that, i found the book really relatable and thought it was well written. overall, i enjoyed it, but i definitely connected more with some parts of the story than others.
September 2, 2026
some beautiful writing and an interesting capture of youth, relationships and loss. i could feel the chemistry between these two
July 20, 2026
Definitely felt like Sally Rooney vibes but told in a deliciously Australian way. Hated some parts, loved others. Very reminiscent of more youthful times with some heavy themes mixed in.
July 4, 2026
Reading 'Lovesick' was akin to talking to a friend. Or two friends rather.
The relationship between Gabby and Gordon is introduced through a sparkly, sweaty night out. A chance encounter on a dancefloor in Brisbane. Telford's generosity grants us the perspectives of both characters in a twisted timeline, as their lives become increasingly entangled (Gordon) and detangled (Gabby). This way of approaching attachment and love—the ways people affect us—felt very fresh and timely. But it's more than just their relationship that is woven through their stories.
The traumas of Gabby and Gordon are introduced slowly but felt deeply. Their attachment to each other, and to the people around them, is made clearer as the text progresses. Telford's handling of complex family dynamics is done with care and warmth. Each experience loss in their own way, old, new, and imminent. I wanted to hold both of their hands as I read, a testament to Telford's wonderfully emotive prose.
I will say, however, that this prose acted as a blanket across the two characters, and in sharing, Gabby and Gordon are not quite able to fully shine as individuals. Maybe Telford is aiming for a reflection on the ways that two people can sometimes blend into one in relationships? Maybe not. Róisín felt the most distinct character for me! I'd like to hear more of her story...
An honest debut, sparing no detail of what it means to love and to be in love in the modern day.
I'd like to thank HQ Insiders for my advance readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The relationship between Gabby and Gordon is introduced through a sparkly, sweaty night out. A chance encounter on a dancefloor in Brisbane. Telford's generosity grants us the perspectives of both characters in a twisted timeline, as their lives become increasingly entangled (Gordon) and detangled (Gabby). This way of approaching attachment and love—the ways people affect us—felt very fresh and timely. But it's more than just their relationship that is woven through their stories.
The traumas of Gabby and Gordon are introduced slowly but felt deeply. Their attachment to each other, and to the people around them, is made clearer as the text progresses. Telford's handling of complex family dynamics is done with care and warmth. Each experience loss in their own way, old, new, and imminent. I wanted to hold both of their hands as I read, a testament to Telford's wonderfully emotive prose.
I will say, however, that this prose acted as a blanket across the two characters, and in sharing, Gabby and Gordon are not quite able to fully shine as individuals. Maybe Telford is aiming for a reflection on the ways that two people can sometimes blend into one in relationships? Maybe not. Róisín felt the most distinct character for me! I'd like to hear more of her story...
An honest debut, sparing no detail of what it means to love and to be in love in the modern day.
I'd like to thank HQ Insiders for my advance readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
'After all, he made my heart golden.'
There’s just something about a book set in the city I sometimes hate but will probably never leave that’s going to hit every time. This left me both homesick and nostalgic for places right outside my doorstep.
The writing is some of the most breathtaking I’ve ever come across. Every line is a punch to the gut. And when paired with achingly flawed characters in their 20’s, I was always bound to love this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
July 9, 2026
A beautifully honest portrayal of love in all its complicated, imperfect forms. What a stunning debut.
August 5, 2026
Okay so first things first, I need to preface this review with a little confession: while I absolutely adore supporting Aussie authors, I'm usually not a huge fan of books set in Australia. It's a weirdly specific thing but the lifestyle and culture just hits a bit too close to home for me, and I read to escape my own life, not relive it lol. This was no exception, and I think it coloured my experience a fair bit.
I also just want to say, it's important to me as a reviewer to be honest even when a book isn't a five star, life changing experience for me personally. By no means was this a bad book, it just wasn't the right one for me, and I think that's a valid thing to share too.
Lovesick follows Gabby and Gordon, whose lives collide on a messy, drug fuelled night out, and the alternating chapters take us through Gordon's past and Gabby's present as their stories tangle together. It's not your typical love story either, it's messier and darker than that, leaning into obsession, grief and the kind of attachment that isn't always healthy.
Telford is clearly a talented writer, there's no denying that. Her prose has this sharp, observant quality and she's not afraid to go to uncomfortable places with her characters. The exploration of grief and how it ripples out to affect everyone around a person was probably the strongest part of the book for me.
Where it lost me a bit was the setting itself, if I'm honest. Reading about Brisbane, the Aussie slang, the very familiar cultural references, it just didn't give me that escapism I crave from fiction. It felt too real, too close to my actual life, and I found myself wishing I was being transported somewhere else entirely. That's a total me problem though, not a Telford problem.
The shifting timeline also tripped me up more than once. I'd find myself a few pages into a chapter before realising I'd jumped backwards or forwards, and that took me out of the story more than I would've liked.
Overall, a solid debut with genuine talent behind it, just not quite the right book for my personal reading preferences. If you love contemporary lit fic set on home soil, you'll probably get a lot more out of this than I did.
I also just want to say, it's important to me as a reviewer to be honest even when a book isn't a five star, life changing experience for me personally. By no means was this a bad book, it just wasn't the right one for me, and I think that's a valid thing to share too.
Lovesick follows Gabby and Gordon, whose lives collide on a messy, drug fuelled night out, and the alternating chapters take us through Gordon's past and Gabby's present as their stories tangle together. It's not your typical love story either, it's messier and darker than that, leaning into obsession, grief and the kind of attachment that isn't always healthy.
Telford is clearly a talented writer, there's no denying that. Her prose has this sharp, observant quality and she's not afraid to go to uncomfortable places with her characters. The exploration of grief and how it ripples out to affect everyone around a person was probably the strongest part of the book for me.
Where it lost me a bit was the setting itself, if I'm honest. Reading about Brisbane, the Aussie slang, the very familiar cultural references, it just didn't give me that escapism I crave from fiction. It felt too real, too close to my actual life, and I found myself wishing I was being transported somewhere else entirely. That's a total me problem though, not a Telford problem.
The shifting timeline also tripped me up more than once. I'd find myself a few pages into a chapter before realising I'd jumped backwards or forwards, and that took me out of the story more than I would've liked.
Overall, a solid debut with genuine talent behind it, just not quite the right book for my personal reading preferences. If you love contemporary lit fic set on home soil, you'll probably get a lot more out of this than I did.
July 3, 2026
Although romance is at the center of Lillian Telford’s Lovesick, I found myself thinking of it less as a romance and more as a coming-of-age story. This is a novel about first (real) loves, broken trust, betrayal, growing pains, of becoming. It understands that love, especially when you’re young, is rarely straightforward. Sometimes it teaches us tenderness, and disappointment. More often than not, it teaches us something about ourselves. There’s such honesty in the way Lillian Telford portrays that stage of life where every relationship feels like forever and every heartbreak feels permanent. Reading it from the perspective of someone who’s beyond that season of life, I could see the mistakes coming, wanted to warn the characters against them and yet recognised that some lessons simply cannot be borrowed from someone else’s experience.
One of the things I appreciated the most was how unapologetically flawed these characters are. No one is idealised. They are insecure, impulsive, selfish at times, deeply vulnerable at others. Their choices won’t always make sense and they certainly won’t always be the right ones but that’s exactly why they feel so real. I especially loved Gordon’s arc. There was something hopeful about the person he became by the end of the novel, especially when contrasted with the young man we first met. Gabby was equally compelling. She came across as someone you might actually know; someone still navigating adulthood while carrying the weight of expectations, insecurities and hope.
Lovesick isn’t built around a perfect meet-cute or a predictable happily-ever-after. Instead, it embraces the uncertainty of modern relationships, the miscommunication, the timing, the emotional immaturity, the messiness. It reveals the difficult truth that sometimes love alone isn’t enough. What stayed with me wasn’t necessarily the romance itself, but the way the novel understands that every relationship changes us, regardless of whether it lasts. Sometimes love succeeds. Sometimes it doesn’t. Either way, we leave it knowing ourselves a little better than before.
Thank you, @hqbooks and @lilliantelford_author for giving me a chance to read this in advance. 🥰
One of the things I appreciated the most was how unapologetically flawed these characters are. No one is idealised. They are insecure, impulsive, selfish at times, deeply vulnerable at others. Their choices won’t always make sense and they certainly won’t always be the right ones but that’s exactly why they feel so real. I especially loved Gordon’s arc. There was something hopeful about the person he became by the end of the novel, especially when contrasted with the young man we first met. Gabby was equally compelling. She came across as someone you might actually know; someone still navigating adulthood while carrying the weight of expectations, insecurities and hope.
Lovesick isn’t built around a perfect meet-cute or a predictable happily-ever-after. Instead, it embraces the uncertainty of modern relationships, the miscommunication, the timing, the emotional immaturity, the messiness. It reveals the difficult truth that sometimes love alone isn’t enough. What stayed with me wasn’t necessarily the romance itself, but the way the novel understands that every relationship changes us, regardless of whether it lasts. Sometimes love succeeds. Sometimes it doesn’t. Either way, we leave it knowing ourselves a little better than before.
Thank you, @hqbooks and @lilliantelford_author for giving me a chance to read this in advance. 🥰
October 1, 2026
Lovesick by Lillian Telford
⭐️⭐️ and a quarter
This book screamed Normal People by Sally Rooney (which I personally hated). This book was difficult to follow, no chapter numbers and no dates on the chapters- but travelling back and forth through a timeline of the relationship between Gabby and Gordon. I did enjoy the different POVs of both Gordon and Gabby.
Unfortunately I really struggled to connect with either character. This was not a rom-com, its a dark, tense,raw and messy take on "modern love". However if this is modern love- God help humanity.
This book reflects on jealousy, insecurity, wanting male affection even if that means choosing a male over your female best friend. I didn't hate this book, but it was a difficult read.
"Do you think much about love? About how abrupt it is,' she asked. Gabby hooked her arm through his and stretched on her toes to kiss him. His mouth was dry; she tasted like rainwater. It occurred to Gordon that she was a shadow he might not be able to catch.
Two lonely lives collide on a drug-fuelled night out in Brisbane's West End. Gabby and Gordon, both lovesick and haunted by childhood wounds, find solace in each other's arms. But the passion that brings them together isn't enough in the face of insecurity, jealousy and grief.
In the wake of the intense and turbulent act of falling in - and out - of love, other relationships in their lives start to crumble. How far can Gabby and Gordon push each other, and everyone else they love, before they lose their way back?"
#aussieauthorappreciation #aussiebookreviewer #aussiebookreviews #aussiebooklover #aussiebookstagram
⭐️⭐️ and a quarter
This book screamed Normal People by Sally Rooney (which I personally hated). This book was difficult to follow, no chapter numbers and no dates on the chapters- but travelling back and forth through a timeline of the relationship between Gabby and Gordon. I did enjoy the different POVs of both Gordon and Gabby.
Unfortunately I really struggled to connect with either character. This was not a rom-com, its a dark, tense,raw and messy take on "modern love". However if this is modern love- God help humanity.
This book reflects on jealousy, insecurity, wanting male affection even if that means choosing a male over your female best friend. I didn't hate this book, but it was a difficult read.
"Do you think much about love? About how abrupt it is,' she asked. Gabby hooked her arm through his and stretched on her toes to kiss him. His mouth was dry; she tasted like rainwater. It occurred to Gordon that she was a shadow he might not be able to catch.
Two lonely lives collide on a drug-fuelled night out in Brisbane's West End. Gabby and Gordon, both lovesick and haunted by childhood wounds, find solace in each other's arms. But the passion that brings them together isn't enough in the face of insecurity, jealousy and grief.
In the wake of the intense and turbulent act of falling in - and out - of love, other relationships in their lives start to crumble. How far can Gabby and Gordon push each other, and everyone else they love, before they lose their way back?"
#aussieauthorappreciation #aussiebookreviewer #aussiebookreviews #aussiebooklover #aussiebookstagram
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 ⭐️
“It’s far better to feel lonely on your own than when you’re with others.”
For all the Gen Z’s and anyone who has lived with a broken heart or had a friendship torn apart by jealousy, this is your 2026 must-read.
An exquisitely written debut novel, Lovesick explores the highs and lows of love, family, and friendship when your adult life is just beginning. Far from a love story that will end with champagne and roses this book is about obsession, grief, loss and loneliness.
Told in alternating chapters of the leading characters who meet on a drug-fuelled night out, Lovesick explores Gordon’s past and Gabby’s present and how their lives are affected when they collide.
I wanted to love this book, I really did, but I just could not connect with the characters. Some I actually detested. I think a lot of the problem is the niche audience this book was written for. I was experiencing first love before the age of Instagram stalking, drug-fuelled parties and smashed avocado for brunch.
The broken timeline made it almost impossible to pinpoint where in the story a chapter was taking place and I was frequently confused. And while the cast of characters was not particularly large understanding where they fit into the two timelines was also very difficult.
Despite these nitpicking complaints Lovesick really is a beautifully descriptive book and I do think Lillian Telford could eventually be a standout author.
*Thank you to HQ Insiders for this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
“It’s far better to feel lonely on your own than when you’re with others.”
For all the Gen Z’s and anyone who has lived with a broken heart or had a friendship torn apart by jealousy, this is your 2026 must-read.
An exquisitely written debut novel, Lovesick explores the highs and lows of love, family, and friendship when your adult life is just beginning. Far from a love story that will end with champagne and roses this book is about obsession, grief, loss and loneliness.
Told in alternating chapters of the leading characters who meet on a drug-fuelled night out, Lovesick explores Gordon’s past and Gabby’s present and how their lives are affected when they collide.
I wanted to love this book, I really did, but I just could not connect with the characters. Some I actually detested. I think a lot of the problem is the niche audience this book was written for. I was experiencing first love before the age of Instagram stalking, drug-fuelled parties and smashed avocado for brunch.
The broken timeline made it almost impossible to pinpoint where in the story a chapter was taking place and I was frequently confused. And while the cast of characters was not particularly large understanding where they fit into the two timelines was also very difficult.
Despite these nitpicking complaints Lovesick really is a beautifully descriptive book and I do think Lillian Telford could eventually be a standout author.
*Thank you to HQ Insiders for this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
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