Lily O. Laverick Books
I have two universes so far, and more to come! There is boring old Earth where Connor lives with his father, and the biggest one is the The Lavaria Galaxy! Where we explore newly discovered planets like the empire of Fallacia and Veridum, where Boy Jayck and In Sync takes place, or Prejuce, where Xander in Till We Meet Again is from. All my books can be read as standalone!
All my books can be read as standalone unless specified.
Collaborative work - JUen 2026
In Another Time: Dragon's Pen Anthology 2026
What if you could choose another life?
At dinner tables across the world, the question lingers: Who or what would you be, if you had another chance?
In this evocative and wide-ranging collection, writers, poets, and illustrators explore the many answers to that question. From lives lived across centuries and lifetimes, to quiet reflections on roads not taken, to humorous, heartfelt, and haunting glimpses of alternate selves—each piece offers a different lens on identity, choice, and the enduring mystery of existence.
You’ll meet souls who remember more than they should, women imagining freer versions of themselves, pirates dreaming of gentler lives, and spirits who linger between worlds. Some stories will make you laugh. Others will catch in your throat. All will leave you wondering.
Because perhaps the real question isn’t who you would be in another life… but how many lives you are already living?
At dinner tables across the world, the question lingers: Who or what would you be, if you had another chance?
In this evocative and wide-ranging collection, writers, poets, and illustrators explore the many answers to that question. From lives lived across centuries and lifetimes, to quiet reflections on roads not taken, to humorous, heartfelt, and haunting glimpses of alternate selves—each piece offers a different lens on identity, choice, and the enduring mystery of existence.
You’ll meet souls who remember more than they should, women imagining freer versions of themselves, pirates dreaming of gentler lives, and spirits who linger between worlds. Some stories will make you laugh. Others will catch in your throat. All will leave you wondering.
Because perhaps the real question isn’t who you would be in another life… but how many lives you are already living?
Newest Release! - oct 2025
Till We Meet Again - a Lavarian Galaxy novelette
Xander Dunmel, an ex-infantry soldier, returns home victorious, only to be met with the unwelcome news that his parents have arranged a betrothal to Elyce Scholar to alleviate the family's debt. Xander refuses and declares his love for LeSean Ronzo and his intention to marry him. Then, a letter arrives in his hands disclosing LeSean was killed in action, leading him to embark on a perilous journey to prove the statement wrong and rescue him.
Till We Meet again is a standalone 14k short story novelette set in the Lavaria Galaxy. This story explores dark and emotional themes that may be triggering for some readers.
Till We Meet again is a standalone 14k short story novelette set in the Lavaria Galaxy. This story explores dark and emotional themes that may be triggering for some readers.
Reviews#
⭐⭐⭐⭐
My heart!I am not ashamed to say I cried. Kind of reminded me of a Romeo and Juliet story but I loved it. So heartfelt and really showed how much they loved each other.
— Dominique, Goodreads Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Though short, this story is perfectly formed. It has just the right mix of fantasy and romance elements, and Lily Laverick writes in such a way that you can't help but become fully absorbed in the story.
Sweet, shocking, emotive, and entirely satisfying.
Though short, this story is perfectly formed. It has just the right mix of fantasy and romance elements, and Lily Laverick writes in such a way that you can't help but become fully absorbed in the story.
Sweet, shocking, emotive, and entirely satisfying.
— Vickyloo, Amazon Review
Till We Meet Again is full of immersive storytelling, heart-wrenching moments, and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat! Perfect for those who love a tragic romance. For those who have not had a taste of the Lavaria galaxy, this is a delectable peek into the universe Laverick has sculpted and will leave you wanting more.
— Mari, Beta Reader Review
Collaborative work - Dec 2024
RIVA Writing Group - A Collection of Short Stories
Stories are magical things. They’re alive, if you want them to be. And Una Plumb wants just that as she sets up a new writing group in the heart of France. The thing is, little towns in Central France are full of unique and often strange characters. Take Rae, for example. She’s so eager to begin her writing career that she goes poking around in old libraries and can’t quite believe what she finds there. Then there’s Clare, a desperate woman who’ll do just about anything. We’ve got Charlie, too, a man better suited to a different time. And meet Columbia, the detective who takes a romp through the French countryside.
There’s Megan, who spends her time travelling through the solar system. There’s Vanessa, who feeds from words and stories. We’ve got Chells and Vik, whose love story takes unexpected twists and turns. And then there’s the magical, so suited to this part of the world, as Borvo swims through the waters of youth to come back to himself and to this world.
They’re all there, and more. This collection of short stories written by a small writing group founded in La Châtre, France, skips between the tragic and the magical, the English and the French, the curious and the wonderful. But as all the characters come together, their stories merging, we learn one thing: we may all be very different but at our hearts, we’re all one and the same.
There’s Megan, who spends her time travelling through the solar system. There’s Vanessa, who feeds from words and stories. We’ve got Chells and Vik, whose love story takes unexpected twists and turns. And then there’s the magical, so suited to this part of the world, as Borvo swims through the waters of youth to come back to himself and to this world.
They’re all there, and more. This collection of short stories written by a small writing group founded in La Châtre, France, skips between the tragic and the magical, the English and the French, the curious and the wonderful. But as all the characters come together, their stories merging, we learn one thing: we may all be very different but at our hearts, we’re all one and the same.
First novella - Nov 2024
Ocean of Emotions - Novella
Out of the frying pan of socially awkward, and into the flames of blazing inadequacy and humiliation!
Connor is well versed in the intricacies of heartbreak. Dumped, rejected, ghosted...
A text from his long-standing crush turns his world on its head. Does he answer the call to go stay with Iain, who his heart yearns for, or does he let his fears get the better of him?
This emotional roller coaster of teenage love is both nostalgic and heart-warming in all its angsty, nerve-racking forms. Follow Connor on his journey of self-discovery in this novella featuring coming-of-age teens finding their way in life and love.
Connor is well versed in the intricacies of heartbreak. Dumped, rejected, ghosted...
A text from his long-standing crush turns his world on its head. Does he answer the call to go stay with Iain, who his heart yearns for, or does he let his fears get the better of him?
This emotional roller coaster of teenage love is both nostalgic and heart-warming in all its angsty, nerve-racking forms. Follow Connor on his journey of self-discovery in this novella featuring coming-of-age teens finding their way in life and love.
Reviews#
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a book to read with legs up on the sofa and coffee and biscuits. I loved the anticipation of what would happen next. Such a good read, I can't wait for her next book. ❤️— Sharon, Amazon Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
At its most basic level, it's a romance, the story of first love - and the first flutters of those feelings. At a deeper level, it's about growing up, becoming an adult, exploring the world for the first time - and wanting to retreat back into the cover of safety. Go a step deeper, and we discover that it's about anxiety and worries and fears and insecurities. It's about all those things we feel yet never talk about. It's about hope in many ways too.
What I love about this book is that it is a very specific story about very specific characters. And yet, as readers, we understand, we relate. We've been there, we've felt it. And Lily Laverick makes you relive it through Conner's story. It's both happy and sad; it's real and raw. It's a wave; it's an ocean, and if you're not careful, it will drown you.
The author has a real knack for getting to the heart of frustration and emotion. Her sensory descriptions leave you fully immersed in this world, and she has a beautiful way with words. We've all been that teenager - lost in our own worlds, our own thoughts. Wanting to expand, to grow, but now knowing how. Not knowing where to turn.
Conner, as a character, is real. He feels like an old friend - someone you want to shake yet encourage. Iain, likewise, is a strong character, one we're as intrigued by as Conner himself. It's little Oscar who wins the day for me, though. Cute kid, wise beyond his years, and a way for Conner to anchor himself as the waves battle around him.
If you're looking for a light, easy read to warm your heart and fill you with nostalgia on cold winter days, this book is a must.
— Vickyloo, Amazon Review
At its most basic level, it's a romance, the story of first love - and the first flutters of those feelings. At a deeper level, it's about growing up, becoming an adult, exploring the world for the first time - and wanting to retreat back into the cover of safety. Go a step deeper, and we discover that it's about anxiety and worries and fears and insecurities. It's about all those things we feel yet never talk about. It's about hope in many ways too.
What I love about this book is that it is a very specific story about very specific characters. And yet, as readers, we understand, we relate. We've been there, we've felt it. And Lily Laverick makes you relive it through Conner's story. It's both happy and sad; it's real and raw. It's a wave; it's an ocean, and if you're not careful, it will drown you.
The author has a real knack for getting to the heart of frustration and emotion. Her sensory descriptions leave you fully immersed in this world, and she has a beautiful way with words. We've all been that teenager - lost in our own worlds, our own thoughts. Wanting to expand, to grow, but now knowing how. Not knowing where to turn.
Conner, as a character, is real. He feels like an old friend - someone you want to shake yet encourage. Iain, likewise, is a strong character, one we're as intrigued by as Conner himself. It's little Oscar who wins the day for me, though. Cute kid, wise beyond his years, and a way for Conner to anchor himself as the waves battle around him.
If you're looking for a light, easy read to warm your heart and fill you with nostalgia on cold winter days, this book is a must.
— Vickyloo, Amazon Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've found it! That quintessential young first-love story, with all the stark experiences many of us have also been through in their youth. Gritty, powerful and evokes such strong empathy for Connor, a teenager on his rocky path towards love.
I've enjoyed reading this book, which has been loaned to house guests and friends, and I'm eagerly anticipating another novella from this amazing young author!
I've enjoyed reading this book, which has been loaned to house guests and friends, and I'm eagerly anticipating another novella from this amazing young author!
— Kirsty, Goodreads Review
First Release - dec 2023
Boy Jayck - Debut Novel
Jayckson Havencrest; orphan and Boy on board the Marya, a ship in the Fallacian Empire’s Navy. He’s three months away from turning eighteen and finally being free of the contract he’s been in since the age of eight.
The crew and officers only see him as a plaything they can use when and how they want. He’s thin as a bone; scars and burns litter his body. He has stark white hair and an intriguing glow around the irises in his moonstone coloured eyes.
Somewhere in the Solastro Ocean navigates his beloved, so close to his heart yet so far away from reach. They haven’t seen each other in four years, and Jayck yearns to be with him. To be safe, desperate for a quiet life away from the torments and assaults.
But the stars and moons have never been on his side. Ever.
How can one precisely placed boot and a precious letter stolen from him rip away all his dreams? What will happen if the forbidden liaison is found out? Could Jayck possibly survive any more cruelty from the crew and even worse, the commander himself?
Reviews#
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A fantastically written debut by an extremely talented indie author. While romance isn't really my thing, I was intrigued by the premise of a regency space opera, and I'm glad I took a chance. The world building, characterisation and the writing itself is fantastic, with Lily O's passion for her creations coming through on the page.While much of Jayck's story is harrowing, and we begin his tale in quite a dark place, there is a light at the end of the tunnel - for both Jayck and the reader. I loved Jayck's friendship with James, and also a certain other character near the end (I won't spoil it), and Grebus's chapters were also intriguing and gave further insight into the rich world Lily O. has created. Congratulations on a 5 star debut!
— Jem, Amazon Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Emotional journeys, forbidden liaisons, formidable enemies, this debut novel I couldn't put down and now want the sequel to come out as soon as possible. I loved the descriptions, characters and world building and although some scenes are not for the faint hearted, I fell very much in love with the protagonists.
— London, Amazon Review
— London, Amazon Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I'd just like to say I absolutely loved your book Boy Jayck ❤️ It was such a sad but beautiful story. The characters were so well written, I feel that I felt them and their emotions more than I visualised them. You created a vivid world that I'm looking forward to exploring more with each book you write. Thank you for creating a new world to lose myself in.
— Jade, Goodreads Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
For me, Boy Jayck was a book of two halves, and I have quite different opinions of each. I must admit that I struggled a little with the abuse of the lead in the first. I could see the author wanted us to sympathise with Jayck's position, but without the worldbuilding to back it up, it all felt such mindless, overwhelming cruelty. Jayck's lack of agency made him more a character to be pitied than someone to root for. I think that's something to keep in mind for someone who might be sensitive to that kind of theme.
The book won me back over in the second half when we're introduced to more characters and more points of view. The relief I felt when Jayck meets his love was palpable. But here we have the bulk of the plot, which involves much more in the way of intrigue and action to be invested in.
What I most liked about this book was the romance. I found the relationship between Jayck and Elezar infectious in its rawness and intimacy. The two adore each other with no doubts, and it was refreshing to see a loving gay relationship pushed to the forefront and treated in such a normalised way. My favourite moment was right towards the end (which I won't spoil, but suffice to say, builds on this theme in a lovely way).
While I would have liked more worldbuilding and less reliance on tell in the writing, those after a romance where love conquers all through the bleakest of times will leave feeling satisfied. Despite my reservations with how the book started, the ending left me with a good feeling.
— Nick, Goodreads Review
For me, Boy Jayck was a book of two halves, and I have quite different opinions of each. I must admit that I struggled a little with the abuse of the lead in the first. I could see the author wanted us to sympathise with Jayck's position, but without the worldbuilding to back it up, it all felt such mindless, overwhelming cruelty. Jayck's lack of agency made him more a character to be pitied than someone to root for. I think that's something to keep in mind for someone who might be sensitive to that kind of theme.
The book won me back over in the second half when we're introduced to more characters and more points of view. The relief I felt when Jayck meets his love was palpable. But here we have the bulk of the plot, which involves much more in the way of intrigue and action to be invested in.
What I most liked about this book was the romance. I found the relationship between Jayck and Elezar infectious in its rawness and intimacy. The two adore each other with no doubts, and it was refreshing to see a loving gay relationship pushed to the forefront and treated in such a normalised way. My favourite moment was right towards the end (which I won't spoil, but suffice to say, builds on this theme in a lovely way).
While I would have liked more worldbuilding and less reliance on tell in the writing, those after a romance where love conquers all through the bleakest of times will leave feeling satisfied. Despite my reservations with how the book started, the ending left me with a good feeling.
— Nick, Goodreads Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Boy' Jayck is a slave in all but name for the crew of the Marya, a ship traveling through the Lavarian Galaxy, and he is utterly miserable. But Jayck also has a secret, and his secret has a name...
Meanwhile, on the planet of Fallacia, Emperor Dhia has total control - and he's using it for no good, much to his son, Hiram's, dismay.
If you've ever read any of my reviews before, you know how much I dislike romance. The whole concept makes me groan, be it m/f, m/m, f/f, or something else (this one is m/m, by the way, if it matters). But what I do love is great characterisation, a complex plot, and a surprising twist (or two) - and Boy Jayck by Lily Laverick has all those things! And do you know what? The romance element is pretty good too! (But sshhh, don't tell anyone I've gone soft!)
The thing about Boy Jayck is that, yes, it's a romance, to a degree. But there's so much more to it. It's not that old 'will-they/won't-they' theme which, let's be honest, is as boring as old socks. No, Boy Jayck's romance is already cemented, it's a given even though they're forced to be apart. We might be questioning how and when - and maybe even if - they reunite, but that's not the only thing that the reader has to hold onto. What makes this book great is how the romance feeds the plot and guides the reader through the twists and turns, rather than the other way around as traditional romance does. It's not our only focus.
There is so much more to the plot than the romance alone, from magic and msytery to the doings of the emperor and his minions - and the whole thing has an immense backstory that is fed seamlessly into the story. It's about power and control, but also about friendship. It's about love and hate and how the two do battle. So no, it's not an ordinary, simple romance, but for those of you love a good soppy novel, fret not! Boy Jayck does have plenty of sweet interactions and romantic dialogue.
What's even better is that Laverick is a wonder when it comes to characterisation. The characters in Boy Jayck really did come alive for me, running around in my head, doing their own things. From Jayck himself to the Emperor, the characters in this book are well-rounded and will make you fall in love - or hate!
The other thing I love about this book is the way Lily Laverick writes. Admittedly, some of her character names leave me wondering how to pronounce them haha! But she also has a truly lovely way with words, and there are many immensely quotable parts of this book, from lyrical lines to philosophical insights.
This book is for you if you enjoy a complex plot and well developed characters. If you prefer something simpler, maybe it won't be your cup of tea. It's for you if you enjoy an m/m romance (or any romance, frankly - I never see the point in gender divisions). It's not for you if you are of a sensitive nature or are triggered by themes of use, abuse, and sexual violence (all insinuated rather than graphically described, but there all the same). It is for you dream of rags to riches tales or that knight in shining armour. And it's for you if you simply enjoy a damn good read.
Meanwhile, on the planet of Fallacia, Emperor Dhia has total control - and he's using it for no good, much to his son, Hiram's, dismay.
If you've ever read any of my reviews before, you know how much I dislike romance. The whole concept makes me groan, be it m/f, m/m, f/f, or something else (this one is m/m, by the way, if it matters). But what I do love is great characterisation, a complex plot, and a surprising twist (or two) - and Boy Jayck by Lily Laverick has all those things! And do you know what? The romance element is pretty good too! (But sshhh, don't tell anyone I've gone soft!)
The thing about Boy Jayck is that, yes, it's a romance, to a degree. But there's so much more to it. It's not that old 'will-they/won't-they' theme which, let's be honest, is as boring as old socks. No, Boy Jayck's romance is already cemented, it's a given even though they're forced to be apart. We might be questioning how and when - and maybe even if - they reunite, but that's not the only thing that the reader has to hold onto. What makes this book great is how the romance feeds the plot and guides the reader through the twists and turns, rather than the other way around as traditional romance does. It's not our only focus.
There is so much more to the plot than the romance alone, from magic and msytery to the doings of the emperor and his minions - and the whole thing has an immense backstory that is fed seamlessly into the story. It's about power and control, but also about friendship. It's about love and hate and how the two do battle. So no, it's not an ordinary, simple romance, but for those of you love a good soppy novel, fret not! Boy Jayck does have plenty of sweet interactions and romantic dialogue.
What's even better is that Laverick is a wonder when it comes to characterisation. The characters in Boy Jayck really did come alive for me, running around in my head, doing their own things. From Jayck himself to the Emperor, the characters in this book are well-rounded and will make you fall in love - or hate!
The other thing I love about this book is the way Lily Laverick writes. Admittedly, some of her character names leave me wondering how to pronounce them haha! But she also has a truly lovely way with words, and there are many immensely quotable parts of this book, from lyrical lines to philosophical insights.
This book is for you if you enjoy a complex plot and well developed characters. If you prefer something simpler, maybe it won't be your cup of tea. It's for you if you enjoy an m/m romance (or any romance, frankly - I never see the point in gender divisions). It's not for you if you are of a sensitive nature or are triggered by themes of use, abuse, and sexual violence (all insinuated rather than graphically described, but there all the same). It is for you dream of rags to riches tales or that knight in shining armour. And it's for you if you simply enjoy a damn good read.
— Victoria, Goodreads Review
What's to come next?
One can never quite know what is to come next with Lily O. Laverick. She started writing a science fiction and ended up publishing a contemporary teen romance...
All one can do is ‘Watch this space’ and hope to not be hit by a meteor in the process.
All one can do is ‘Watch this space’ and hope to not be hit by a meteor in the process.
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