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Films Have Given Me Trust Issues
No self-belief, no direction, a job she hates and a love life comparable to that of a dead fish...Hannah feels like a red-hot mess.
At forty, Hannah lives alone, depends far too much on booze and prescription painkillers, and has her mother breathing down her neck about 'finding the perfect son-in-law'. Her love for Hollywood happy endings is her only source of comfort in the chaos of reality.
That is until serendipity brings beautiful, mysterious, and seemingly perfect Katie into her life.
A fast friendship forms over drunken escapades, weekends away and shared demons. Despite her new lease on life, Katie's friendship forces Hannah to confront all that she knows - about herself, her past and her world.
Hollywood happy endings may not be all they seem...
At forty, Hannah lives alone, depends far too much on booze and prescription painkillers, and has her mother breathing down her neck about 'finding the perfect son-in-law'. Her love for Hollywood happy endings is her only source of comfort in the chaos of reality.
That is until serendipity brings beautiful, mysterious, and seemingly perfect Katie into her life.
A fast friendship forms over drunken escapades, weekends away and shared demons. Despite her new lease on life, Katie's friendship forces Hannah to confront all that she knows - about herself, her past and her world.
Hollywood happy endings may not be all they seem...
336 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 17, 2025
Ben Tobler's "Films have given me trust issues" offers a witty and insightful look at how mainstream films can shape our expectations of reality. Fans of Bridget Jones would enjoy this book.
The book is about a 40 year old women called Hannah, who lives alone and compares her life to mainstream films. After an incident that occurs at the beginning of the book she meets Katie whom she develops a friendship with. The relationship between Hannah and Katie is a highlight o the book, showcasing the complexities of modern relationships.
This book is perfect for film enthusiasts and anyone who has ever questions ed the gap between fantasy and reality. It
Hannah's has a love for Hollywood happy endings and this is explored through the book as she compares her chaotic life to that in the films.
Hannah's reliance on prescription painkillers adds a layer of complexity to her character, highlighting the contract between her idealised view of life and her chaotic reality.
The book is about a 40 year old women called Hannah, who lives alone and compares her life to mainstream films. After an incident that occurs at the beginning of the book she meets Katie whom she develops a friendship with. The relationship between Hannah and Katie is a highlight o the book, showcasing the complexities of modern relationships.
This book is perfect for film enthusiasts and anyone who has ever questions ed the gap between fantasy and reality. It
Hannah's has a love for Hollywood happy endings and this is explored through the book as she compares her chaotic life to that in the films.
Hannah's reliance on prescription painkillers adds a layer of complexity to her character, highlighting the contract between her idealised view of life and her chaotic reality.
April 23, 2025
Films Have Given Me Trust Issues by Australian author is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama, women’s fiction, and slice-of-life genres.
Forty-year-old Hannah is struggling under the weight of personal struggles and insecurities, she hates her job, has self-doubt and with that comes substance use disorder, and feels pressured by a controlling mother. Her love for a Hollywood happy ending is the only comfort she has.
When Hannah meets empath Katie a nurse, a fast friendship forms with nights out, deep conversations and trips away. Katie encourages Hannah to face her fears head on including her past and a new world opens.
Tobler is especially good at creating characters whom readers can both laugh with and root for like those we might meet in our own lives. They are realistic, and each has a distinctive personality. He has explored the hearts and the humanity of the characters with so much clarity that readers can see through them. As in real life, the characters grapples with the pressures of life.
Hannah’s character, though flawed, is compelling and relatable, evoking empathy. Although many of her decisions often seemed foolish and short-sighted to me, I nevertheless understand how a middle-aged woman could make them. I enjoyed her growth throughout the story, driven by a need for a happily ever after, she must face her bad decisions and go on a journey of self-discovery before it is all too late.
Katie’s character is beautiful, she is kind and sympathetic towards others which is very touching. The dialogue between the friends is entertaining and endearing with captivating, dramatic scenes, and humorous conversations. Themes about sisterhood, managing relationships, growth, and finding one’s voice are adeptly brought out in the story.
I like the bold font, illustration style, and minimalism of the cover. The colour grabs my attention and what would draw me in to pick it up from a bookshelf.
The author has crafted an evocative exploration of self-discovery and transformation with contemporary issues surrounding internal struggles, mental health, addiction, self-love, and healing, and one that compels the reader to listen keenly to their own heart.
Films Have Given Me Trust Issues is an entertaining and fun novel to read. I highly recommend for fans of women's fiction.
Thank you, Beauty & Lace and Shawline Publishing Group, for the opportunity to read and review.
Forty-year-old Hannah is struggling under the weight of personal struggles and insecurities, she hates her job, has self-doubt and with that comes substance use disorder, and feels pressured by a controlling mother. Her love for a Hollywood happy ending is the only comfort she has.
When Hannah meets empath Katie a nurse, a fast friendship forms with nights out, deep conversations and trips away. Katie encourages Hannah to face her fears head on including her past and a new world opens.
Tobler is especially good at creating characters whom readers can both laugh with and root for like those we might meet in our own lives. They are realistic, and each has a distinctive personality. He has explored the hearts and the humanity of the characters with so much clarity that readers can see through them. As in real life, the characters grapples with the pressures of life.
Hannah’s character, though flawed, is compelling and relatable, evoking empathy. Although many of her decisions often seemed foolish and short-sighted to me, I nevertheless understand how a middle-aged woman could make them. I enjoyed her growth throughout the story, driven by a need for a happily ever after, she must face her bad decisions and go on a journey of self-discovery before it is all too late.
Katie’s character is beautiful, she is kind and sympathetic towards others which is very touching. The dialogue between the friends is entertaining and endearing with captivating, dramatic scenes, and humorous conversations. Themes about sisterhood, managing relationships, growth, and finding one’s voice are adeptly brought out in the story.
I like the bold font, illustration style, and minimalism of the cover. The colour grabs my attention and what would draw me in to pick it up from a bookshelf.
The author has crafted an evocative exploration of self-discovery and transformation with contemporary issues surrounding internal struggles, mental health, addiction, self-love, and healing, and one that compels the reader to listen keenly to their own heart.
Films Have Given Me Trust Issues is an entertaining and fun novel to read. I highly recommend for fans of women's fiction.
Thank you, Beauty & Lace and Shawline Publishing Group, for the opportunity to read and review.
April 3, 2026
“Films Have Given Me Trust Issues” is a sharp, emotionally raw, and darkly humorous novel that explores loneliness, self-destruction, and the messy search for connection in modern adulthood. From the very first chapter, the reader is drawn into Hannah's life, a forty-year-old woman stuck in a draining job and an equally exhausting emotional cycle. Her voice is immediate and unfiltered, blending sarcasm, vulnerability, and biting self-awareness in a way that feels both genuine and unsettling.
One of the book’s strongest elements is its characterization. Hannah is deeply flawed, often self-sabotaging, yet undeniably human. Her internal monologue—filled with sharp humour, insecurity, and impulsive decisions—drives the story forward. The shocking early incident involving her fabricated injury sets the tone for the novel, highlighting the extremes she’s willing to go to in order to avoid facing her reality. This moment is not just dramatic; it encapsulates the book’s central themes of avoidance, mental health struggles, and the consequences of emotional overload.
The dynamic between Hannah and Katie adds another compelling layer to the story. Their relationship develops quickly but feels rooted in shared vulnerability and mutual recognition of each other’s imperfections. Katie acts as both a contrast and a mirror—more outwardly composed, yet equally complex underneath. Their conversations, often fueled by alcohol and honesty, strike a balance between humour and heaviness, offering insight into issues like loneliness, self-worth, and the fear of meaningful connection.
Tobler’s writing style is conversational and unapologetically candid, often leaning into crude humour and explicit honesty. This gives the narrative a strong voice and makes it highly engaging, though it may not appeal to readers who prefer more restrained prose. The pacing is steady, driven more by character interaction and internal reflection than by plot-heavy developments, which suits the story's introspective nature.
Ultimately, “Films Have Given Me Trust Issues” is a bold and unfiltered exploration of a woman navigating mental health, identity, and connection in a world that often feels both overwhelming and empty. It stands out for its honesty and dark humour, offering a character-driven story that is as uncomfortable as it is compelling.
Try it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One of the book’s strongest elements is its characterization. Hannah is deeply flawed, often self-sabotaging, yet undeniably human. Her internal monologue—filled with sharp humour, insecurity, and impulsive decisions—drives the story forward. The shocking early incident involving her fabricated injury sets the tone for the novel, highlighting the extremes she’s willing to go to in order to avoid facing her reality. This moment is not just dramatic; it encapsulates the book’s central themes of avoidance, mental health struggles, and the consequences of emotional overload.
The dynamic between Hannah and Katie adds another compelling layer to the story. Their relationship develops quickly but feels rooted in shared vulnerability and mutual recognition of each other’s imperfections. Katie acts as both a contrast and a mirror—more outwardly composed, yet equally complex underneath. Their conversations, often fueled by alcohol and honesty, strike a balance between humour and heaviness, offering insight into issues like loneliness, self-worth, and the fear of meaningful connection.
Tobler’s writing style is conversational and unapologetically candid, often leaning into crude humour and explicit honesty. This gives the narrative a strong voice and makes it highly engaging, though it may not appeal to readers who prefer more restrained prose. The pacing is steady, driven more by character interaction and internal reflection than by plot-heavy developments, which suits the story's introspective nature.
Ultimately, “Films Have Given Me Trust Issues” is a bold and unfiltered exploration of a woman navigating mental health, identity, and connection in a world that often feels both overwhelming and empty. It stands out for its honesty and dark humour, offering a character-driven story that is as uncomfortable as it is compelling.
Try it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2024
Ben Tobler’s Films Have Given Me Trust Issues is a raw, witty, and darkly relatable exploration of self-discovery, messy relationships, and the lies Hollywood endings sell us. Equal parts humor and heartbreak, the book follows the life of Hannah, a forty-year-old woman whose sarcastic self-awareness and chaotic lifestyle will strike a chord with anyone who’s ever felt like their life doesn’t match the script.
Hannah is, by her own admission, a “red-hot mess.” Struggling with a soul-crushing job, an overbearing mother, and a love life that borders on tragic, she finds comfort in prescription medication, wine, and fleeting moments of connection. Yet, her life takes a turn when Katie—a mysterious and seemingly perfect woman—enters the picture. What begins as a fast and intense friendship forces Hannah to confront her past, her choices, and the dissonance between the life she imagined and the one she’s living.
Tobler’s writing is sharp, laced with biting humor and moments of profound vulnerability. Hannah’s inner monologue is refreshingly honest, exposing the fears and insecurities that many people face but rarely admit. The narrative cleverly contrasts the polished fantasies of Hollywood romances with the messy, unpredictable reality of life, ultimately questioning whether the “happy endings” we chase are what we truly need.
The dynamic between Hannah and Katie is the heart of the story. Their relationship is equal parts uplifting and challenging, and through it, Tobler explores themes of friendship, trauma, and the courage it takes to embrace imperfection. The book doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, including mental health, loneliness, and societal expectations, but it handles them with sensitivity and a touch of humor that keeps the tone from becoming overly heavy.
Films Have Given Me Trust Issues is a poignant and brutally funny novel about redefining what happiness looks like. Ben Tobler’s sharp wit and emotional depth make this a must-read for anyone disillusioned with the idea of a perfect life and looking for a story that embraces life’s imperfections with authenticity and humor.
Hannah is, by her own admission, a “red-hot mess.” Struggling with a soul-crushing job, an overbearing mother, and a love life that borders on tragic, she finds comfort in prescription medication, wine, and fleeting moments of connection. Yet, her life takes a turn when Katie—a mysterious and seemingly perfect woman—enters the picture. What begins as a fast and intense friendship forces Hannah to confront her past, her choices, and the dissonance between the life she imagined and the one she’s living.
Tobler’s writing is sharp, laced with biting humor and moments of profound vulnerability. Hannah’s inner monologue is refreshingly honest, exposing the fears and insecurities that many people face but rarely admit. The narrative cleverly contrasts the polished fantasies of Hollywood romances with the messy, unpredictable reality of life, ultimately questioning whether the “happy endings” we chase are what we truly need.
The dynamic between Hannah and Katie is the heart of the story. Their relationship is equal parts uplifting and challenging, and through it, Tobler explores themes of friendship, trauma, and the courage it takes to embrace imperfection. The book doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, including mental health, loneliness, and societal expectations, but it handles them with sensitivity and a touch of humor that keeps the tone from becoming overly heavy.
Films Have Given Me Trust Issues is a poignant and brutally funny novel about redefining what happiness looks like. Ben Tobler’s sharp wit and emotional depth make this a must-read for anyone disillusioned with the idea of a perfect life and looking for a story that embraces life’s imperfections with authenticity and humor.
November 5, 2024
Films Have Given Me Trust Issues is a captivating narrative that masterfully weaves together emotional vulnerability, self-doubt, and the yearning for meaningful connections. The protagonist, Hannah, grapples with both physical and emotional wounds after a traumatic incident, facing the judgment of others while navigating her insecurities.
At forty, Hannah is stuck in a life marked by unfulfilled dreams, a toxic job, and a string of failed relationships. Struggling with self-doubt, substance dependence, and a controlling mother, she feels lost, caught between the fantasy of Hollywood happy endings and the messiness of her reality.
The true heart of the story emerges as everything changes when she meets Katie, a beautiful, enigmatic woman who becomes Hannah's unexpected catalyst for change. As their fast friendship deepens, Katie pushes Hannah to confront her fears, aspirations, and the emotional baggage she’s spent years avoiding. Together, they embark on adventures that force Hannah to question her life choices, including a dramatic decision to quit her job and pursue a life of travel and self-expression.
With vivid, realistic characters and a narrative that deftly navigates the messy landscape of modern life, this tale is an emotionally rich exploration of personal growth, friendship, and the longing for a deeper sense of belonging. The novel’s blend of humor, vulnerability, and self-discovery will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with their sense of worth or desired something more meaningful in their relationships.
This is a story about second chances, the power of friendship, and finding the courage to rewrite your narrative. With sharp, insightful writing and a relatable, flawed protagonist, Red-Hot Mess is a deeply satisfying read for anyone who has ever felt adrift and longed for a fresh start.
At forty, Hannah is stuck in a life marked by unfulfilled dreams, a toxic job, and a string of failed relationships. Struggling with self-doubt, substance dependence, and a controlling mother, she feels lost, caught between the fantasy of Hollywood happy endings and the messiness of her reality.
The true heart of the story emerges as everything changes when she meets Katie, a beautiful, enigmatic woman who becomes Hannah's unexpected catalyst for change. As their fast friendship deepens, Katie pushes Hannah to confront her fears, aspirations, and the emotional baggage she’s spent years avoiding. Together, they embark on adventures that force Hannah to question her life choices, including a dramatic decision to quit her job and pursue a life of travel and self-expression.
With vivid, realistic characters and a narrative that deftly navigates the messy landscape of modern life, this tale is an emotionally rich exploration of personal growth, friendship, and the longing for a deeper sense of belonging. The novel’s blend of humor, vulnerability, and self-discovery will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with their sense of worth or desired something more meaningful in their relationships.
This is a story about second chances, the power of friendship, and finding the courage to rewrite your narrative. With sharp, insightful writing and a relatable, flawed protagonist, Red-Hot Mess is a deeply satisfying read for anyone who has ever felt adrift and longed for a fresh start.
March 22, 2025
'Films' is a great way to escape for a few hours into the chaos of someone else's tumultuous life.
Ben Tobler has introduced us to Hannah, such a likeable character with such a detestable personality. She is as shallow as she is vulnerable, judgmental as she is imperfect, and ultimately her own worst enemy. When Hannah takes a break from physically critiquing every human that she crosses paths with, she is battling with her demons: self-harm, bi-polar disorder, substance abuse, anxiety...
Tobler should be commended for this well paced and nuanced insight into the struggles of a mentally vulnerable and functioning alcoholic, with all of the insecurities of what I imagine a 40-year-old single woman would carry with her as she watches her more socially and romantically successful peers live ordinary and enviable lives. 'Films' is also not afraid to tackle the delicate nature of a female character: 'lawn care', college escapades, walks of shame. Ambitious, thought provoking, risky - and it works.
The story is anchored by a heavily wine-laden friendship with Katie, the beautiful and successful nurse who seems perfect in a world filled with mostly terrible people. If I met Hannah in real life I would run the other way, but I am also glad she found her Katie to steer the oft unstable ship. The mantra "It's ok not to be ok" is the theme I carried throughout.
I'd give it four stars but the well-placed movie references are a master stroke of storytelling - the 'Goldeneye' reference alone bumps 'Films' up to a five star novel that should be on any contemporary fictions fan's reading list.
Ben Tobler has introduced us to Hannah, such a likeable character with such a detestable personality. She is as shallow as she is vulnerable, judgmental as she is imperfect, and ultimately her own worst enemy. When Hannah takes a break from physically critiquing every human that she crosses paths with, she is battling with her demons: self-harm, bi-polar disorder, substance abuse, anxiety...
Tobler should be commended for this well paced and nuanced insight into the struggles of a mentally vulnerable and functioning alcoholic, with all of the insecurities of what I imagine a 40-year-old single woman would carry with her as she watches her more socially and romantically successful peers live ordinary and enviable lives. 'Films' is also not afraid to tackle the delicate nature of a female character: 'lawn care', college escapades, walks of shame. Ambitious, thought provoking, risky - and it works.
The story is anchored by a heavily wine-laden friendship with Katie, the beautiful and successful nurse who seems perfect in a world filled with mostly terrible people. If I met Hannah in real life I would run the other way, but I am also glad she found her Katie to steer the oft unstable ship. The mantra "It's ok not to be ok" is the theme I carried throughout.
I'd give it four stars but the well-placed movie references are a master stroke of storytelling - the 'Goldeneye' reference alone bumps 'Films' up to a five star novel that should be on any contemporary fictions fan's reading list.
October 13, 2024
Films Have Given Me Trust Issues is a fast-paced thriller that delves into the complexities of loyalty, self-preservation, a job she hates, and a love life. The novel follows Hannah, a 40-year-old administrative assistant feeling overwhelmed and drained by her mundane job and personal struggles.
Her encounter with Nurse Katie adds a layer of empathy and amplifies Hannah's vulnerability in her hospital gown. Hannah feels nervous but excited, she develops good feelings for Katie and starts meeting her more often. As they talk, they bond over their experiences, and Hannah is surprised to learn that Katie is only a year younger than her. Their friendship deepens as they share their vulnerabilities and support each other.
As the stakes rise, so too does the complexity of Hannah’s internal struggles. Hannah takes a bold step and quits her job without telling Ryan, filling out her resignation with a snarky note. She starts preparing for her trip with Katie by organizing her belongings and ending her lease, marking a significant shift in her life.
Ben Tobler masterfully portrays the psychological strain Hannah experiences as she is forced to make decisions that could ruin her life. The novel balances moments of quiet introspection with tense, action-filled sequences. The constant excitement of what’s coming next hangs over the story, making for a gripping and emotionally charged read.
Her encounter with Nurse Katie adds a layer of empathy and amplifies Hannah's vulnerability in her hospital gown. Hannah feels nervous but excited, she develops good feelings for Katie and starts meeting her more often. As they talk, they bond over their experiences, and Hannah is surprised to learn that Katie is only a year younger than her. Their friendship deepens as they share their vulnerabilities and support each other.
As the stakes rise, so too does the complexity of Hannah’s internal struggles. Hannah takes a bold step and quits her job without telling Ryan, filling out her resignation with a snarky note. She starts preparing for her trip with Katie by organizing her belongings and ending her lease, marking a significant shift in her life.
Ben Tobler masterfully portrays the psychological strain Hannah experiences as she is forced to make decisions that could ruin her life. The novel balances moments of quiet introspection with tense, action-filled sequences. The constant excitement of what’s coming next hangs over the story, making for a gripping and emotionally charged read.
April 4, 2026
I recognise that this book is semi-autobiographical and I apologise for having to give it a low rating, but I am honest above all else.
The premise of this book sounded very fascinating to me, but the writing style is truly abysmal. It is awkward at times, with odd choices of wording and phrases that don’t make sense. There are attempts at being quirky that fall flat due to sudden uses of formal language, and the character reads like a teenage girl half of the time instead of the 40-something year old Hannah is. There are grammatical mistakes galore, punctuation missing or overused, and several misused words. I am shocked that the author is apparently an English teacher.
The story is uninteresting at best and downright implausible at worst. There are unrealistic plot points and every single character is unbelievably bland. I usually have a lot to discuss in terms of what I liked and didn’t like in every character, but I can’t even manage that in this case.
The reason I am giving this two stars instead of one is because I at least appreciate what the author was attempting to do, and I do appreciate the attempt to show an alcohol dependency. I believe this could have been a decent story about friendship and finding yourself in a world that seems set against you, but unfortunately the execution was lacking.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The premise of this book sounded very fascinating to me, but the writing style is truly abysmal. It is awkward at times, with odd choices of wording and phrases that don’t make sense. There are attempts at being quirky that fall flat due to sudden uses of formal language, and the character reads like a teenage girl half of the time instead of the 40-something year old Hannah is. There are grammatical mistakes galore, punctuation missing or overused, and several misused words. I am shocked that the author is apparently an English teacher.
The story is uninteresting at best and downright implausible at worst. There are unrealistic plot points and every single character is unbelievably bland. I usually have a lot to discuss in terms of what I liked and didn’t like in every character, but I can’t even manage that in this case.
The reason I am giving this two stars instead of one is because I at least appreciate what the author was attempting to do, and I do appreciate the attempt to show an alcohol dependency. I believe this could have been a decent story about friendship and finding yourself in a world that seems set against you, but unfortunately the execution was lacking.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2025
Just finished this summer read - a relatable dip into the mind of Hannah as she navigates her self and the world around her through bipolar, questionable choices and a new friendship. The random encounters and meetings throughout mirror Hannah's pinball-like life, which rather than a 'journey' towards a Hollywood-esque ending, is a series of events and moments in time resonant for teens, adults-feeling-like-teens, and all who are in the 'still figuring it out' category. Perfectly imperfect, this is a great read from an emerging Australian author.
October 8, 2024
I loved this book! I have never felt so seen by an author! While my life experiences were wildly different to those of Hannah in many way, I could see myself in her shoes every step of the way!
I highly recommend this book to everyone, insight into things you didn’t even realise you were doing is amazing
I highly recommend this book to everyone, insight into things you didn’t even realise you were doing is amazing
March 22, 2025
This was a beautifully done fiction novel, I appreciated that this was a semi-autobiography element. The concept was really well done and was hooked from the first page. Ben Tobler has a strong writing style and was glad I got to read this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, it was so very relatable. I could sympathise with Hannah! Part of the time i was talking out loud to her, telling her not to do something. I laughed, i cried, i wish everyone could have a friend like Katie when they need one. For a first novel i think it was outstanding
February 24, 2025
This story of the life of a 40 year old who struggles with mental illness was so real and raw that I couldn't put this book down. This author wasn't afraid to dive deep into the hard realities with humour and honesty. The story was very entertaining.
July 23, 2025
Great story! Love that the main character had some MH issues and how she navigates every day life.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author via voracious readers only.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author via voracious readers only.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews