Lovesick: The Must-read 2026 Australian Debut Dissecting Modern Love, For Readers Of Jacqueline Maley, Coco Mellors And Diana Reid

Lovesick by Lillian Telford is a striking Australian debut novel that gets under the skin of modern love—its rush, its bruises, and the way it can tilt a whole life off-kilter. Set in Brisbane’s West End, it follows Gabby and Gordon after a drug-fuelled night brings two lonely people together, each carrying old wounds they’ve never quite named.

What begins as solace quickly tangles into passion, insecurity and jealousy, as grief and obsession seep into the spaces between them. As their relationship intensifies, the friendships and family ties around them start to fray, raising the question of what love costs when you’re still learning how to be whole.

Perfect for readers who love contemporary literary fiction with emotional bite, sharp prose and an Australian setting—especially fans of Diana Reid, Jacqueline Maley and Coco Mellors.

Add Lovesick to your stack and see where it takes you.