Listen Closely

A heartwarming, cozy YA romance that will resonate with fans of You've Got Mail, Jenny Han, Beth Reekles, and Heartstopper. From the highly-acclaimed author of Lover Birds, Listen Closely blends a tender coming-of-age journey with a delightful, slow-burn romance. The story follows Jude, a quiet, withdrawn young person with one friend, and Aiden, an outgoing, popular newcomer with a sunny, confident vibe. When they are paired for a local radio internship, their initial awkwardness gives way to surprising common ground—especially after they discover a shared love of podcast dramas and learn that Aiden is a big admirer of Jude’s own podcast, The Night Merchant. The book weaves themes of forced proximity, found family, and mistaken identity into a warm, swoon-worthy romance. It offers a nuanced LGBTQ+ coming-of-age perspective, with dual narration that heightens the chemistry and emotional resonance.

The narrative earns praise for its nuanced characters and authentic voice, described as a cosy queer romance that invites self-discovery and growth. The dual perspective helps build palpable chemistry, while the story remains grounded in relatable, contemporary experiences and heartfelt moments.

• Dual narrative builds palpable chemistry
• Grumpy x sunshine romance with strong dynamics
• Forced proximity and mistaken identity themes
• Found family and coming-of-age focus
• LGBTQ+ romance with nuanced characters
• Jude’s podcast passion and Aiden’s fan perspective

• Pages: 352; Edition: 1; Paperback
• Author: Leanne Egan; Related to Lover Birds
• Publication context: YA romance with warm, hopeful tone