Yearning Difficulties

It's autumn in Lake Pristine! Discover the standalone romance from Elle McNicoll, award-winning author of Wish You Were Her.

"I honestly loved this book so much . . . I swear this series gets better with every book!" - 5* reader review

"Always love a good romantic YA book especially one that has a cute fake dating scheme . . . Highly recommend!" - 5* reader review

"A fabulous romance" - 5* reader review

Zella is co-hosting the student radio show – which would be great if she didn’t have to share it with her horrible ex, Dave.

Her classmate Killian is brash, opinionated – and his mother happens to run the writing seminar of Zella’s dreams.

When Zella suggests he help her out by fake dating her, Killian sees an opportunity. He has his own reasons for getting close to Zella . . .

But when he starts to trip up on his own lies and their friendship begins to fracture, Zella might have to open her heart to the possibility that what she’s looking for has been there the whole time.

© 2026 First Ink (Audiobook): 9781037402203

Release date

Audiobook: 8 October 2026