El O'Reilly is exceptionally good at making mistakes. Mistakes like: -falling in love with the charismatic youth pastor, Mace, while engaged to her high school boyfriend -breaking up with her fiancé the night before Valentine's Day -walking out on her family -dropping out of uni with no plan B -ghosting her old friends -kissing her new friends -sleepless nights with beers and bongs and boys and girls. But when Mace proposes to someone else, El's world finally breaks. Will she go back to the safe love she's always known, will Mace realise that she's the one , or will El forge her own path into the unknown? Mistakes and Other Lovers explores the pressure, pain and freedom of being on the cusp of adulthood and realising things aren't what you thought they'd be. That disappointing the people you love (and yourself) is inevitable. That making mistakes might be the best thing you've ever done. PRAISE FOR MISTAKES AND OTHER LOVERS ' Mistakes and Other Lovers heralds a bold new voice in Australian fiction. With a sharply-observed exploration of the anxieties and freedoms that come when seeking both selfhood and adulthood, Amy Lovat is one to watch.' Hannah Kent 'Amy Lovat is a captivating, evocative and stunning writer. Mistakes and Other Lovers is a spectacular debut with richly painted characters who delight and debauch in the messiness of love and youth.' Sally Hepworth 'Amy Lovat's writing is unflinching, vivid and pulsing with energy and desire. Reading her is like settling in for a juicy chat with your funniest, raunchiest, messiest friend.' Emily Maguire