It's a Bit More Complicated Than That

SHORTLISTED: NZ BOOKLOVERS AWARD FOR YOUNG ADULTS 2026 STORYLINES NOTABLE BOOK AWARD 2025 WINNER: Best Unpublished Author manuscript in the Storylines Tessa Duder YA Prize 2024

“A brilliant new YA novel from a huge new talent.” - The Spinoff

“An emotionally charged and beautifully written debut novel.” - NZ Booklover

“All the hallmarks of a winner. Good stuff for young folk, and adults too.” - Linda Thompson, NZ Herald

“Very well written, definitely a good read. The relationship between the two main characters is great.” - Lisa Finucane, RNZ

“Written with a good dose of humour, the novel explores relationships, love, grief, addiction, forgiveness and coming of age.” - Heidi North, NZ Herald

But now Zelle is back, and their lives are about to get a whole lot more complicated.

Zelle is in denial about her alcohol use that threatens to spiral out of control, and she’s deeply annoyed at having to leave the city.

Callum’s future is thrown into jeopardy after both a disastrous uni interview and his budding romance turning sour.

But they can’t keep running from the past forever, and circumstances force them to examine their grief and guilt and find a way through.

With beautifully assured story-telling, this is an emotionally tense page turner that leaves you on the edge of your seat.